1973 Mazda RX-3 vs. 2009 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2009 Mini Cooper is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mazda RX-3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mazda RX-3 would be higher. At 1,964 cc, 1973 Mazda RX-3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mini Cooper (208 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1973 Mazda RX-3. (100 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1973 Mazda RX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mini Cooper weights approximately 348 kg more than 1973 Mazda RX-3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Mazda RX-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 1973 Mazda RX-3. 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 (261 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mazda RX-3. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mazda RX-3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mazda RX-3 | 2009 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Mazda | Mini |
| Model | RX-3 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1964 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 261 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 852 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 50 L |
