1988 BMW 525 vs. 2009 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2009 Mini Cooper is newer by 21 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mini Cooper (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 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 360 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 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, 1988 BMW 525 (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mini Cooper. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mini Cooper. 2009 Mini Cooper has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mini Cooper will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 2009 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | BMW | Mini |
| Model | 525 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 239 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 50 L |
