1980 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2006 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2006 Mini Cooper is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,292 cc, 1980 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mini Cooper (169 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1980 Mazda RX-7. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1980 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mini Cooper weights approximately 155 kg more than 1980 Mazda RX-7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Mazda RX-7 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 Mazda RX-7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Mini Cooper (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mazda RX-7 | 2006 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Mazda | Mini |
| Model | RX-7 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2292 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 50 L |
