1981 Buick Estate vs. 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1981 Buick Estate. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick Estate weights approximately 635 kg more than 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster.
Because 1981 Buick Estate 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 1981 Buick Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster, 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, 1981 Buick Estate (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster. (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1981 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster. 1981 Buick Estate has automatic transmission and 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster has manual transmission. 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Buick Estate will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick Estate | 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster | |
| Make | Buick | Mini |
| Model | Estate | Cooper Roadster |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 3734 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1389 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2466 mm |
