1989 BMW Z1 vs. 2008 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2008 Mini Cooper is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW Z1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW Z1 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 BMW Z1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW Z1 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2008 Mini Cooper. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mini Cooper weights approximately 65 kg more than 1989 BMW Z1.
Because 1989 BMW Z1 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 1989 BMW Z1. 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, 1989 BMW Z1 (231 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mini Cooper. (160 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1989 BMW Z1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mini Cooper. 2008 Mini Cooper has automatic transmission and 1989 BMW Z1 has manual transmission. 1989 BMW Z1 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mini Cooper will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW Z1 | 2008 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | BMW | Mini |
| Model | Z1 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2470 mm |
