1987 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 2,825 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Pontiac Firebird (133 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2012 Mini Cooper. (121 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2012 Mini Cooper.
Because 1987 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 1987 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 1987 Pontiac Firebird (230 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mini Cooper. (154 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1987 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mini |
| Model | Firebird | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2825 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 154 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3724 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2466 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 50 L |
