1971 BMW 3 vs. 2012 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mini Cooper (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 105 kg more than 2012 Mini Cooper.
Because 1971 BMW 3 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 BMW 3. 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, 1971 BMW 3 (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mini Cooper. (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2012 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | BMW | Mini |
| Model | 3 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3734 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1414 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2466 mm |
