2008 Mini Cooper vs. 1989 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2008 Mini Cooper is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,997 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mini Cooper weights approximately 5 kg more than 1989 Nissan Laurel.
Because 1989 Nissan Laurel 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 1989 Nissan Laurel. 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 (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Nissan Laurel. (171 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Nissan Laurel. 2008 Mini Cooper has automatic transmission and 1989 Nissan Laurel has manual transmission. 1989 Nissan Laurel will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mini Cooper will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mini Cooper | 1989 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Mini | Nissan |
| Model | Cooper | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 123 HP |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1930 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2680 mm |
