2006 Mini Cooper vs. 1988 Nissan 300 ZX
To start off, 2006 Mini Cooper is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Nissan 300 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Nissan 300 ZX would be higher. At 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Nissan 300 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Nissan 300 ZX (171 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2006 Mini Cooper. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Nissan 300 ZX should accelerate faster than 2006 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Nissan 300 ZX weights approximately 285 kg more than 2006 Mini Cooper. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Nissan 300 ZX 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 1988 Nissan 300 ZX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 1988 Nissan 300 ZX (234 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mini Cooper. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Nissan 300 ZX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mini Cooper | 1988 Nissan 300 ZX | |
| Make | Mini | Nissan |
| Model | Cooper | 300 ZX |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1606 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2530 mm |
