2002 Daihatsu Copen vs. 1974 Mitsubishi Minica
To start off, 2002 Daihatsu Copen is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mitsubishi Minica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mitsubishi Minica would be higher. At 659 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Daihatsu Copen is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Daihatsu Copen (62 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1974 Mitsubishi Minica. (26 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Daihatsu Copen should accelerate faster than 1974 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Daihatsu Copen weights approximately 370 kg more than 1974 Mitsubishi Minica. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Mitsubishi Minica. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Daihatsu Copen, 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, 2002 Daihatsu Copen (110 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mitsubishi Minica. (37 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Daihatsu Copen will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mitsubishi Minica.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Daihatsu Copen | 1974 Mitsubishi Minica | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Copen | Minica |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 659 cc | 359 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 26 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 37 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 3010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1310 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2010 mm |
