1974 Mini MK III vs. 1980 Porsche 924
To start off, 1980 Porsche 924 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mini MK III. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mini MK III would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Porsche 924 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Porsche 924 (174 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1974 Mini MK III. (34 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Porsche 924 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mini MK III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Porsche 924 weights approximately 569 kg more than 1974 Mini MK III. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Porsche 924 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 1980 Porsche 924. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Mini MK III, 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, 1980 Porsche 924 (250 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mini MK III. (61 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1980 Porsche 924 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mini MK III.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mini MK III | 1980 Porsche 924 | |
| Make | Mini | Porsche |
| Model | MK III | 924 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1179 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3060 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2410 mm |
