1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 1972 Mitsubishi Minica
To start off, 1985 Caterham 1700 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mitsubishi Minica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mitsubishi Minica would be higher. At 1,692 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Caterham 1700 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Caterham 1700 (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1972 Mitsubishi Minica. (33 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Caterham 1700 should accelerate faster than 1972 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Caterham 1700 weights approximately 83 kg more than 1972 Mitsubishi Minica. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1985 Caterham 1700 (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mitsubishi Minica. (39 Nm @ 6500 RPM). This means 1985 Caterham 1700 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mitsubishi Minica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 1972 Mitsubishi Minica | |
| Make | Caterham | Mitsubishi |
| Model | 1700 | Minica |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 359 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 33 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 39 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 3010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1310 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2010 mm |
