2004 Mini Cooper vs. 1971 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Mini Cooper is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (296 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 2004 Mini Cooper. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2004 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 625 kg more than 2004 Mini Cooper. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Pontiac Firebird 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 1971 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 414 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mini Cooper. (149 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1971 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mini Cooper | 1971 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mini | Pontiac |
| Model | Cooper | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 105.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 106.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 76 L |
