1981 Mitsubishi Minica vs. 2009 Renault Clio
To start off, 2009 Renault Clio is newer by 28 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 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Renault Clio is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Renault Clio (97 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. (29 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Renault Clio should accelerate faster than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Renault Clio weights approximately 1075 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, 2009 Renault Clio, 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, 2009 Renault Clio (127 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. (40 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Renault Clio will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mitsubishi Minica | 2009 Renault Clio | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Renault |
| Model | Minica | Clio |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 546 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 40 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 565 kg | 1640 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2060 mm | 2580 mm |
