1974 Honda Life vs. 1981 Mitsubishi Minica
To start off, 1981 Mitsubishi Minica is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Honda Life would be higher. At 546 cc (2 cylinders), 1981 Mitsubishi Minica is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 29 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mitsubishi Minica weights approximately 75 kg more than 1974 Honda Life.
Because 1981 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 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Honda Life, 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, 1981 Mitsubishi Minica (40 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Honda Life. (28 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1981 Mitsubishi Minica will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Honda Life | 1981 Mitsubishi Minica | |
| Make | Honda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Life | Minica |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 546 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 28 Nm | 40 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 3200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2090 mm | 2060 mm |
