1996 Lotus Elise vs. 1981 Mitsubishi Minica
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elise 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elise (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. (29 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lotus Elise weights approximately 140 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.
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, 1996 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. (40 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Lotus Elise | 1981 Mitsubishi Minica | |
Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
Model | Elise | Minica |
Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 546 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 116 HP | 29 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 169 Nm | 40 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 565 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1410 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2060 mm |