1974 Chevrolet Vega vs. 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Chevrolet Vega. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Chevrolet Vega would be higher. At 2,285 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Chevrolet Vega is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe (208 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe should accelerate faster than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe weights approximately 220 kg more than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Chevrolet Vega 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 1974 Chevrolet Vega. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe, 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, 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe (260 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. 1974 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe has manual transmission. 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Chevrolet Vega will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Chevrolet Vega | 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mini |
| Model | Vega | Cooper Coupe |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2285 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 3734 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2466 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 50 L |
