1972 Mitsubishi Minica vs. 2001 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2001 Smart ForFour is newer by 29 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 1,124 cc (3 cylinders), 2001 Smart ForFour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Smart ForFour (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1972 Mitsubishi Minica. (27 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 1972 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Smart ForFour weights approximately 455 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, 2001 Smart ForFour, 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, 2001 Smart ForFour (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mitsubishi Minica. (28 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2001 Smart ForFour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mitsubishi Minica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mitsubishi Minica | 2001 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Smart |
| Model | Minica | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 359 cc | 1124 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 27 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 28 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2510 mm |
