1983 Mitsubishi Minica vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1983 Mitsubishi Minica is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 1,457 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit (62 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1983 Mitsubishi Minica. (27 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1983 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 240 kg more than 1983 Mitsubishi Minica. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 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 1983 Mitsubishi Minica. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Mitsubishi Minica. (40 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Mitsubishi Minica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Mitsubishi Minica | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
| Model | Minica | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 546 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 27 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 40 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2060 mm | 2410 mm |
