1976 Mitsubishi Minica vs. 1979 Renault 18
To start off, 1979 Renault 18 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mitsubishi Minica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mitsubishi Minica would be higher. At 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Renault 18 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Renault 18 (63 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1976 Mitsubishi Minica. (29 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Renault 18 should accelerate faster than 1976 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Renault 18 weights approximately 455 kg more than 1976 Mitsubishi Minica. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Mitsubishi Minica. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Renault 18, 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, 1979 Renault 18 (103 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mitsubishi Minica. (37 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Renault 18 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mitsubishi Minica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mitsubishi Minica | 1979 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Renault |
| Model | Minica | 18 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 471 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 37 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 530 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2450 mm |
