1974 Mitsubishi Minica vs. 2010 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 36 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle (114 HP @ 2400 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1974 Mitsubishi Minica. (26 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1974 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 770 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, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mitsubishi Minica. (37 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mitsubishi Minica. 2010 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1974 Mitsubishi Minica has manual transmission. 1974 Mitsubishi Minica will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mitsubishi Minica | 2010 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
| Model | Minica | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 359 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Torque | 37 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3010 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2510 mm |
