1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1981 Mitsubishi Minica
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 16 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. (29 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Caterham C21 weights approximately 89 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, 1997 Caterham C21 (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. (40 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1981 Mitsubishi Minica | |
| Make | Caterham | Mitsubishi |
| Model | C21 | Minica |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 546 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 40 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2060 mm |
