1962 Lotus Elan vs. 1981 Mitsubishi Minica
To start off, 1981 Mitsubishi Minica is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,496 cc (4 cylinders), 1962 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. (29 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Lotus Elan weights approximately 50 kg more than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1962 Lotus Elan (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. (41 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1962 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Lotus Elan | 1981 Mitsubishi Minica | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Elan | Minica |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1496 cc | 544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 41 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2060 mm |
