1980 BMW M5 vs. 2012 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 BMW M5 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2012 Mini Cooper. (208 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 BMW M5 weights approximately 181 kg more than 2012 Mini Cooper. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 BMW M5 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 BMW M5. 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, 1980 BMW M5 (304 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mini Cooper. (260 Nm @ 1850 RPM). This means 1980 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW M5 | 2012 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | BMW | Mini |
| Model | M5 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1391 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 3729 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1407 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2466 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
