1988 BMW 525 vs. 2008 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2008 Mini Cooper is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,443 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mini Cooper (172 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 245 kg more than 2008 Mini Cooper.
Because 1988 BMW 525 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 1988 BMW 525. 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 (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 2008 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | BMW | Mini |
| Model | 525 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
