2008 Mini Cooper vs. 1973 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2008 Mini Cooper is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mini Cooper (172 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1973 Toyota Carina. (99 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1973 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mini Cooper weights approximately 265 kg more than 1973 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Toyota Carina 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 1973 Toyota Carina. 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 (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Toyota Carina. (135 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mini Cooper | 1973 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Mini | Toyota |
| Model | Cooper | Carina |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2430 mm |
