1986 Lada Samara vs. 1976 Mitsubishi Minica
To start off, 1986 Lada Samara is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mitsubishi Minica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mitsubishi Minica would be higher. At 1,288 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Lada Samara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Lada Samara (64 HP @ 5550 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1976 Mitsubishi Minica. (29 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lada Samara should accelerate faster than 1976 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Lada Samara weights approximately 390 kg more than 1976 Mitsubishi Minica. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Mitsubishi Minica. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Lada Samara, 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, 1986 Lada Samara (98 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mitsubishi Minica. (37 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 Lada Samara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mitsubishi Minica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lada Samara | 1976 Mitsubishi Minica | |
| Make | Lada | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Samara | Minica |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 37 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 3000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2010 mm |
