1972 Mitsubishi Minica vs. 2010 Mazda 3
To start off, 2010 Mazda 3 is newer by 38 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1972 Mitsubishi Minica. (26 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1972 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda 3 weights approximately 840 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, 2010 Mazda 3, 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, 2010 Mazda 3 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mitsubishi Minica. (38 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mitsubishi Minica. 2010 Mazda 3 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. 2010 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mitsubishi Minica | 2010 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Mazda |
| Model | Minica | 3 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 359 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 38 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3010 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2639 mm |
