2008 Audi A3 vs. 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2008 Audi A3 is newer by 12 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 3 more horse power than 2008 Audi A3. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 2008 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Audi A3 weights approximately 225 kg more than 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Because 2008 Audi A3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Audi A3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Audi A3 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse. 2008 Audi A3 has automatic transmission and 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse has manual transmission. 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Audi A3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi A3 | 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Audi | Mitsubishi |
| Model | A3 | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1966 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2520 mm |
