1988 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1988 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe (208 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1988 Mazda RX-7. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe should accelerate faster than 1988 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 5 kg more than 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe.
Because 1988 Mazda RX-7 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 Mazda RX-7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe, 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 Coupe (260 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Mazda RX-7. (186 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Mazda RX-7 | 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe | |
| Make | Mazda | Mini |
| Model | RX-7 | Cooper Coupe |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 3734 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2466 mm |
