1981 Mitsubishi Minica vs. 1998 Opel Meriva
To start off, 1998 Opel Meriva is newer by 17 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 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Opel Meriva (99 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. (29 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Meriva weights approximately 810 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, 1998 Opel Meriva, 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, 1998 Opel Meriva (240 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. (41 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mitsubishi Minica | 1998 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Opel |
| Model | Minica | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 544 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 41 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2060 mm | 2640 mm |
