1957 Lotus Seven vs. 2012 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper is newer by 55 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mini Cooper (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1957 Lotus Seven. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1957 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mini Cooper weights approximately 545 kg more than 1957 Lotus Seven. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 Lotus Seven 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 1957 Lotus Seven. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper, 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, 2012 Mini Cooper (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Lotus Seven. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Lotus Seven | 2012 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Lotus | Mini |
| Model | Seven | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3370 mm | 3729 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 950 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2466 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 50 L |
