2006 Alpina B3 vs. 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2006 Alpina B3 is newer by 10 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 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alpina B3 weights approximately 306 kg more than 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Alpina B3 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 2006 Alpina B3. 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, 2006 Alpina B3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alpina B3 | 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Alpina | Mitsubishi |
| Model | B3 | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
