1998 Lotus GT 1 vs. 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lotus GT 1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lotus GT 1 would be higher. At 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Lotus GT 1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus GT 1 (580 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 459 more horse power than 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe. (121 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus GT 1 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 110 kg more than 1998 Lotus GT 1.
Because 1998 Lotus GT 1 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 1998 Lotus GT 1. 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, 1998 Lotus GT 1 (391 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 231 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe. (160 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus GT 1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus GT 1 | 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe | |
| Make | Lotus | Mini |
| Model | GT 1 | Cooper Coupe |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 580 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 391 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3729 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2080 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1387 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2466 mm |
