1978 BMW M1 vs. 2008 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2008 Mini Cooper is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW M1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW M1 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2008 Mini Cooper. (207 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW M1 weights approximately 85 kg more than 2008 Mini Cooper. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 BMW M1 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 1978 BMW M1. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1978 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mini Cooper. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 2008 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | BMW | Mini |
| Model | M1 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 50 L |
