2009 Daihatsu Copen vs. 1976 Mitsubishi Minica
To start off, 2009 Daihatsu Copen is newer by 33 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 1,298 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Daihatsu Copen is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Daihatsu Copen (86 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1976 Mitsubishi Minica. (29 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Daihatsu Copen should accelerate faster than 1976 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Daihatsu Copen weights approximately 320 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, 2009 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, 2009 Daihatsu Copen (120 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mitsubishi Minica. (37 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Daihatsu Copen will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mitsubishi Minica.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Daihatsu Copen | 1976 Mitsubishi Minica | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Copen | Minica |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 37 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 3000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2010 mm |
