2009 Mazda Tribute vs. 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2009 Mazda Tribute 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 2,483 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda Tribute is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda Tribute (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda Tribute should accelerate faster than 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda Tribute weights approximately 230 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.
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 Mazda Tribute (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda Tribute will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda Tribute | 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Tribute | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2483 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2520 mm |
