Is there a difference in the body of a 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse and a 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse?

The picture you have of the 96 red eclipse actually looks like it has an Eagle Talon front end. There are no major differences except the headlights. The 95's and 96's headlights are round on the inside corners and the 97-99's are different. You can see it in your pictures. I believe the differences with the spoilers and rear bumpers have to do with what model you have. A GS sometimes has a different spoiler than a GSX or GS-T. All their taillights are the same though.

The metal part of the bodies are exactly the same on ALL second gen eclipse and talons. The difference is in the bumpers(the rubber parts) some years are different. However the pics you are looking at are of different trim types the first is a run of the mill RS(non turbo car) the second could be either a GST or GSX (turbo cars, one front wheel drive and the other all wheel) the turbo cars received a more aggressive and open front end and a taller rear spoiler.

As you can see from the pics, the front bumper is different, more agressive on the 97-99 models...the back bumper layout is different. The 95-99 backup lights are odd shaped and frame the license plate. Like this http://www.shophyperformance.com/cart/images/thumb/585-mitsubishi_spoilers.jpg On the 97-99 they are circular but moved away from the lic plate frame..like this: http://www.andysautosport.com/images/detailed_product/exterior/body_kits/body_kit_component/95_98_eclipse_b2_rear.jpg Also, the GSX/GST spoiler on the 95-96 is the same as the RS/GS Spoiler..For 97-99 the GSX/GST received a tall spoiler. For 99 the GS had the 10th Anniversary version which made the GS look like the GSX with a larger spoiler, 10th Ann. badging and OZ F1 16' wheels. Otherwise, 95-96 and 97-99 Eclipse are all the same. Same engines, same trim levels...etc..