1981 Mitsubishi Minica vs. 1994 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1994 Toyota Carina is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mitsubishi Minica would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Toyota Carina (131 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. (29 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Toyota Carina should accelerate faster than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Toyota Carina weights approximately 700 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, 1994 Toyota Carina, 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, 1994 Toyota Carina (184 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. (41 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1994 Toyota Carina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mitsubishi Minica | 1994 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Toyota |
| Model | Minica | Carina |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 544 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 41 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2060 mm | 2590 mm |
