1958 Lotus Elite vs. 2009 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2009 Mini Cooper is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mini Cooper (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1958 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1958 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mini Cooper weights approximately 545 kg more than 1958 Lotus Elite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 Lotus Elite 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 1958 Lotus Elite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Mini Cooper (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Lotus Elite. (105 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Lotus Elite | 2009 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Lotus | Mini |
| Model | Elite | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 50 L |
