2009 BMW 550 vs. 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 13 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 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 219 more horse power than 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 410 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 2009 BMW 550 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 2009 BMW 550. 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, 2009 BMW 550 (489 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 312 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | BMW | Mitsubishi |
| Model | 550 | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 489 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | 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 | 1730 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2520 mm |
