1981 Mitsubishi Minica vs. 1997 Volkswagen Parati
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Parati is newer by 16 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Parati is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Parati (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. (29 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Parati should accelerate faster than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Parati weights approximately 435 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, 1997 Volkswagen Parati, 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, 1997 Volkswagen Parati (150 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. (41 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Parati will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mitsubishi Minica | 1997 Volkswagen Parati | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
| Model | Minica | Parati |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 544 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 41 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2060 mm | 2480 mm |
