1981 Ford Capri vs. 2008 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2008 Mini Cooper is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 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 (113 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1981 Ford Capri. (67 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mini Cooper weights approximately 115 kg more than 1981 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 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 (149 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Capri. (115 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2008 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Capri | 2008 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Ford | Mini |
| Model | Capri | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.8 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 50 L |
