1976 Mitsubishi Minica vs. 2001 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 25 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), 2001 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen Polo (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1976 Mitsubishi Minica. (27 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1976 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 450 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, 2001 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2001 Volkswagen Polo (129 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mitsubishi Minica. (28 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mitsubishi Minica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mitsubishi Minica | 2001 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
| Model | Minica | Polo |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2001 |
| 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 | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2520 mm |
