1976 Mitsubishi Minica vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 21 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 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1976 Mitsubishi Minica. (27 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1976 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 595 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mitsubishi Minica. (28 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mitsubishi Minica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mitsubishi Minica | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
| Model | Minica | Golf |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 359 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 27 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 28 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2470 mm |
