1972 Mitsubishi Minica vs. 1982 Toyota Tercel
To start off, 1982 Toyota Tercel is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mitsubishi Minica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mitsubishi Minica would be higher. At 1,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Toyota Tercel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Toyota Tercel (70 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1972 Mitsubishi Minica. (31 HP @ 8500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Toyota Tercel should accelerate faster than 1972 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Toyota Tercel weights approximately 265 kg more than 1972 Mitsubishi Minica. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Mitsubishi Minica 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 1972 Mitsubishi Minica. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Toyota Tercel, 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, 1982 Toyota Tercel (107 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mitsubishi Minica. (32 Nm @ 6500 RPM). This means 1982 Toyota Tercel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mitsubishi Minica. 1982 Toyota Tercel has automatic transmission and 1972 Mitsubishi Minica has manual transmission. 1972 Mitsubishi Minica will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Toyota Tercel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mitsubishi Minica | 1982 Toyota Tercel | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Toyota |
| Model | Minica | Tercel |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 359 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 515 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2440 mm |
