1985 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 2,838 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (135 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 117 kg more than 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster.
Because 1985 Pontiac Firebird 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 1985 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mini |
| Model | Firebird | Cooper Roadster |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2838 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1362 kg | 1245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3734 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1389 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2466 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 50 L |
