1981 Mitsubishi Minica vs. 2009 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2009 Toyota Prius 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 1,495 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Prius is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Prius (110 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. (29 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Prius should accelerate faster than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Prius weights approximately 790 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 Toyota Prius, 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 Toyota Prius (111 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. (41 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Prius will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mitsubishi Minica | 2009 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Toyota |
| Model | Minica | Prius |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 544 cc | 1495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 41 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2060 mm | 2710 mm |
