2003 Fiat Panda vs. 1981 Mitsubishi Minica
To start off, 2003 Fiat Panda is newer by 22 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 1,108 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Fiat Panda is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Fiat Panda (51 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. (29 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Fiat Panda should accelerate faster than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Fiat Panda weights approximately 295 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.
Because 1981 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 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Fiat Panda, 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, 2003 Fiat Panda (88 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica. (40 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mitsubishi Minica.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Panda | 1981 Mitsubishi Minica | |
| Make | Fiat | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Panda | Minica |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1108 cc | 546 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 40 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 3200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2060 mm |
