2001 BMW 318 vs. 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2001 BMW 318 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 318 weights approximately 120 kg more than 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Because 2001 BMW 318 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2001 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2001 BMW 318 (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | BMW | Mitsubishi |
| Model | 318 | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
