1975 BMW 520 vs. 2009 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2009 Mini Cooper is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mini Cooper (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1975 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1975 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 BMW 520 weights approximately 170 kg more than 2009 Mini Cooper.
Because 1975 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 1975 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 (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 BMW 520. (172 Nm @ 4350 RPM). This means 2009 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 BMW 520 | 2009 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | BMW | Mini |
| Model | 520 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4350 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12 seconds | 8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
