2008 Mini Cooper vs. 1979 Renault 5
To start off, 2008 Mini Cooper is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Renault 5 would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Renault 5 (159 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2008 Mini Cooper. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Renault 5 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mini Cooper weights approximately 205 kg more than 1979 Renault 5.
Because 1979 Renault 5 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 1979 Renault 5. 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, 1979 Renault 5 (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mini Cooper. (151 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Renault 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mini Cooper | 1979 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Mini | Renault |
| Model | Cooper | 5 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 56 L |
