1977 Mazda RX-3 vs. 2012 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Mazda RX-3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Mazda RX-3 would be higher. At 1,964 cc, 1977 Mazda RX-3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mini Cooper (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1977 Mazda RX-3. (100 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1977 Mazda RX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mini Cooper weights approximately 443 kg more than 1977 Mazda RX-3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Mazda RX-3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Mini Cooper (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Mazda RX-3. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Mazda RX-3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Mazda RX-3 | 2012 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Mazda | Mini |
| Model | RX-3 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1964 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 852 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 3729 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2466 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 50 L |
