1997 Honda NSX vs. 2012 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda NSX would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda NSX (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 2012 Mini Cooper. (121 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2012 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda NSX weights approximately 145 kg more than 2012 Mini Cooper. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Honda NSX 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 Honda NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 1997 Honda NSX (311 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mini Cooper. (154 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1997 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda NSX | 2012 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Honda | Mini |
| Model | NSX | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 154 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4250 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 | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3724 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2466 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 50 L |
