1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse vs. 1973 Mitsubishi Minica
To start off, 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 26 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 2,350 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse (145 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1973 Mitsubishi Minica. (27 HP @ 8000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 1973 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 774 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, 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 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, 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mitsubishi Minica. (28 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mitsubishi Minica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse | 1973 Mitsubishi Minica | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Eclipse | Minica |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2350 cc | 359 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 27 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 28 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 516 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2010 mm |
