2008 Mini Cooper vs. 1970 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 2008 Mini Cooper is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen 1600 would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mini Cooper (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (52 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mini Cooper weights approximately 200 kg more than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Volkswagen 1600 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 1970 Volkswagen 1600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Mini Cooper (151 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2008 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mini Cooper | 1970 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Mini | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cooper | 1600 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 85.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 69 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 7.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 40 L |
