1997 AC Cobra vs. 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 AC Cobra (365 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe. (208 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe weights approximately 199 kg more than 1997 AC Cobra.
Because 1997 AC Cobra 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 1997 AC Cobra. 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, 1997 AC Cobra (579 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 319 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe. (260 Nm @ 1850 RPM). This means 1997 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 AC Cobra | 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe | |
| Make | AC | Mini |
| Model | Cobra | Cooper Coupe |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 3734 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2466 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 50 L |
