1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1972 Mitsubishi Minica
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mitsubishi Minica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mitsubishi Minica would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1972 Mitsubishi Minica. (33 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1972 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 660 kg more than 1972 Mitsubishi Minica. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mitsubishi Minica. (39 Nm @ 6500 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mitsubishi Minica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1972 Mitsubishi Minica | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Esprit | Minica |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 359 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 33 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 39 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1310 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2010 mm |
