1972 BMW 520 vs. 2009 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2009 Mini Cooper is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mini Cooper (172 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 320 kg more than 2009 Mini Cooper.
Because 1972 BMW 520 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 520. 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 (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2009 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | BMW | Mini |
| Model | 520 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 7.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 50 L |
