1981 Mitsubishi Minica vs. 1978 Nissan Cherry
To start off, 1981 Mitsubishi Minica is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Cherry. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Cherry would be higher. At 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Nissan Cherry is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Nissan Cherry (70 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. (29 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Nissan Cherry should accelerate faster than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Nissan Cherry weights approximately 340 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, 1978 Nissan Cherry, 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, 1978 Nissan Cherry (102 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. (41 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Nissan Cherry will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mitsubishi Minica | 1978 Nissan Cherry | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
| Model | Minica | Cherry |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 544 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 41 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2060 mm | 2400 mm |
