2009 Land Rover Defender vs. 1972 Mini MK III
To start off, 2009 Land Rover Defender is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mini MK III. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mini MK III would be higher. At 2,402 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Land Rover Defender is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Land Rover Defender (120 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1972 Mini MK III. (34 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Land Rover Defender should accelerate faster than 1972 Mini MK III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 2098 kg more than 1972 Mini MK III. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Mini MK III. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Land Rover Defender will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Land Rover Defender (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 299 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mini MK III. (61 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2009 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mini MK III.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Land Rover Defender | 1972 Mini MK III | |
| Make | Land Rover | Mini |
| Model | Defender | MK III |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2402 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 61 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2708 kg | 610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 3060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1930 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2040 mm |
