1976 Mitsubishi Lancer vs. 1986 Nissan Santana
To start off, 1986 Nissan Santana is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mitsubishi Lancer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mitsubishi Lancer would be higher. At 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Nissan Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Nissan Santana (93 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1976 Mitsubishi Lancer. (67 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Nissan Santana should accelerate faster than 1976 Mitsubishi Lancer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Nissan Santana weights approximately 225 kg more than 1976 Mitsubishi Lancer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Mitsubishi Lancer 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 1976 Mitsubishi Lancer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1986 Nissan Santana (142 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mitsubishi Lancer. (101 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1986 Nissan Santana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mitsubishi Lancer. 1986 Nissan Santana has automatic transmission and 1976 Mitsubishi Lancer has manual transmission. 1976 Mitsubishi Lancer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Nissan Santana will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mitsubishi Lancer | 1986 Nissan Santana | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
| Model | Lancer | Santana |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1986 |
| Engine Size | 1238 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 845 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2560 mm |
