1981 Mitsubishi Minica vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 23 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. (29 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 820 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 2004 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. (40 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. 2004 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1981 Mitsubishi Minica has manual transmission. 1981 Mitsubishi Minica will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mitsubishi Minica | 2004 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
| Model | Minica | Passat |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 546 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 40 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 565 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2060 mm | 2710 mm |
