1971 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2006 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2006 Mini Cooper is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mini Cooper (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mini Cooper weights approximately 135 kg more than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider 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 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Mini Cooper (149 Nm) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. (121 Nm). This means 2006 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2006 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mini |
| Model | Spider | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1287 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.5 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2470 mm |
