1973 Mitsubishi Minica vs. 2005 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2005 Smart ForTwo is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mitsubishi Minica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mitsubishi Minica would be higher. At 797 cc (3 cylinders), 2005 Smart ForTwo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Smart ForTwo (40 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1973 Mitsubishi Minica. (27 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1973 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Smart ForTwo weights approximately 299 kg more than 1973 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, 2005 Smart ForTwo (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mitsubishi Minica. (28 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2005 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mitsubishi Minica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mitsubishi Minica | 2005 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Smart |
| Model | Minica | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 359 cc | 797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 27 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 28 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 516 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 1820 mm |
