1973 Mitsubishi Minica vs. 2009 Kia Rio
To start off, 2009 Kia Rio is newer by 36 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 1,493 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Kia Rio is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Rio (96 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1973 Mitsubishi Minica. (27 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Rio should accelerate faster than 1973 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Rio weights approximately 642 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.
Because 1973 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 1973 Mitsubishi Minica. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Kia Rio, 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, 2009 Kia Rio (132 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mitsubishi Minica. (28 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Rio will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mitsubishi Minica. 2009 Kia Rio has automatic transmission and 1973 Mitsubishi Minica has manual transmission. 1973 Mitsubishi Minica will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Kia Rio will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mitsubishi Minica | 2009 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Kia |
| Model | Minica | Rio |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 359 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 27 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 28 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 516 kg | 1158 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2420 mm |
