1979 Ford Capri vs. 2008 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2008 Mini Cooper is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Capri would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mini Cooper (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1979 Ford Capri. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mini Cooper weights approximately 325 kg more than 1979 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford Capri 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 1979 Ford Capri. 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, 2008 Mini Cooper (160 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Capri. (85 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Capri. 2008 Mini Cooper has automatic transmission and 1979 Ford Capri has manual transmission. 1979 Ford Capri will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mini Cooper will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Capri | 2008 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Ford | Mini |
| Model | Capri | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.1 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2470 mm |
