1972 Mitsubishi Minica vs. 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA
To start off, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA is newer by 41 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA (165 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1972 Mitsubishi Minica. (27 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA should accelerate faster than 1972 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA weights approximately 672 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.
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, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mitsubishi Minica. (28 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mitsubishi Minica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mitsubishi Minica | 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Mazda |
| Model | Minica | MX-5 MIATA |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 359 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 27 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 28 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1182 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4032 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1255 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2330 mm |
