1981 Mitsubishi Minica vs. 2010 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 29 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 1,200 cc (3 cylinders), 2010 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen Polo (74 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. (29 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 567 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, 2010 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2010 Volkswagen Polo (180 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. (40 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mitsubishi Minica | 2010 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
| Model | Minica | Polo |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 546 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 40 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 565 kg | 1132 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1682 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2060 mm | 2470 mm |
