1981 Mitsubishi Minica vs. 1966 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1981 Mitsubishi Minica is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 992 cc (3 cylinders), 1966 Wartburg 311 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Wartburg 311 (50 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. (29 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Wartburg 311 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Wartburg 311 weights approximately 405 kg more than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 Wartburg 311, 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, 1966 Wartburg 311 (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. (40 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1966 Wartburg 311 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mitsubishi Minica | 1966 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Wartburg |
| Model | Minica | 311 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 546 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 50 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 40 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 565 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2060 mm | 2460 mm |
