2001 Lada Samara II vs. 1976 Mitsubishi Minica
To start off, 2001 Lada Samara II is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mitsubishi Minica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mitsubishi Minica would be higher. At 1,497 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Lada Samara II is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lada Samara II (67 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1976 Mitsubishi Minica. (27 HP @ 8000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lada Samara II should accelerate faster than 1976 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Lada Samara II weights approximately 460 kg more than 1976 Mitsubishi Minica. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Mitsubishi Minica. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Lada Samara II, 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, 2001 Lada Samara II (110 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mitsubishi Minica. (28 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2001 Lada Samara II will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mitsubishi Minica.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lada Samara II | 1976 Mitsubishi Minica | |
| Make | Lada | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Samara II | Minica |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1497 cc | 359 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 27 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 28 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 3000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2010 mm |
