1996 Audi A3 vs. 1981 Mitsubishi Minica
To start off, 1996 Audi A3 is newer by 15 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Audi A3 (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. (29 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Audi A3 weights approximately 575 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, 1996 Audi A3, 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, 1996 Audi A3 (173 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. (40 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Audi A3 | 1981 Mitsubishi Minica | |
| Make | Audi | Mitsubishi |
| Model | A3 | Minica |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 546 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 40 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 3200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2060 mm |
