1974 Mitsubishi Minica vs. 1989 Nissan Santana
To start off, 1989 Nissan Santana is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mitsubishi Minica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mitsubishi Minica would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Nissan Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Nissan Santana (93 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1974 Mitsubishi Minica. (26 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Nissan Santana should accelerate faster than 1974 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Nissan Santana weights approximately 614 kg more than 1974 Mitsubishi Minica. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Mitsubishi Minica. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Nissan Santana, 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, 1989 Nissan Santana (142 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mitsubishi Minica. (37 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1989 Nissan Santana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mitsubishi Minica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mitsubishi Minica | 1989 Nissan Santana | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
| Model | Minica | Santana |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1989 |
| Engine Size | 359 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 37 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1074 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3010 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2560 mm |
