2009 Hyundai Sonata vs. 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Sonata 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 3,342 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Hyundai Sonata (250 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 201 kg more than 2009 Hyundai Sonata.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Hyundai Sonata (311 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse. 2009 Hyundai Sonata 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. 2009 Hyundai Sonata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Hyundai Sonata | 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Sonata | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3342 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1119 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
