1987 Austin Maestro vs. 1973 Mitsubishi Minica
To start off, 1987 Austin Maestro is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mitsubishi Minica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mitsubishi Minica would be higher. At 1,275 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Austin Maestro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Austin Maestro (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1973 Mitsubishi Minica. (27 HP @ 8000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Austin Maestro should accelerate faster than 1973 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Austin Maestro weights approximately 399 kg more than 1973 Mitsubishi Minica. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Mitsubishi Minica. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Austin Maestro, 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, 1987 Austin Maestro (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mitsubishi Minica. (28 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1987 Austin Maestro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mitsubishi Minica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Austin Maestro | 1973 Mitsubishi Minica | |
| Make | Austin | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Maestro | Minica |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 359 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 27 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 28 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 516 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2010 mm |
