1972 BMW 3 vs. 2007 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2007 Mini Cooper is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2007 Mini Cooper. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2007 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 3 weights approximately 249 kg more than 2007 Mini Cooper. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 BMW 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 1972 BMW 3 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mini Cooper. (150 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mini Cooper. 2007 Mini Cooper has automatic transmission and 1972 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1972 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Mini Cooper will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 2007 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | BMW | Mini |
| Model | 3 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2470 mm |
