1981 Mitsubishi Minica vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 31 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (115 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. (29 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 835 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. (40 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mitsubishi Minica | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
| Model | Minica | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 546 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 40 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 565 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2060 mm | 2651 mm |
