1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 2011 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2011 Mini Cooper is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Gran Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Gran Torino would be higher. At 4,097 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mini Cooper (208 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (95 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Gran Torino weights approximately 648 kg more than 2011 Mini Cooper.
Because 1972 Ford Gran Torino 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 Ford Gran Torino. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Mini Cooper (260 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2011 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Gran Torino.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Gran Torino | 2011 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Ford | Mini |
| Model | Gran Torino | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4097 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1858 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 3729 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1407 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2466 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 50 L |
