1987 BMW 324 vs. 1971 Mini MK III
To start off, 1987 BMW 324 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mini MK III. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mini MK III would be higher. At 2,443 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 BMW 324 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 BMW 324 (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1971 Mini MK III. (34 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 BMW 324 should accelerate faster than 1971 Mini MK III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 BMW 324 weights approximately 650 kg more than 1971 Mini MK III. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 BMW 324 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 1987 BMW 324. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Mini MK III, 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, 1987 BMW 324 (214 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mini MK III. (61 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1987 BMW 324 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mini MK III.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 324 | 1971 Mini MK III | |
| Make | BMW | Mini |
| Model | 324 | MK III |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 61 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2040 mm |
