2009 Mini Cooper vs. 1968 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 2009 Mini Cooper is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Volkswagen 1302. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Volkswagen 1302 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mini Cooper (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1968 Volkswagen 1302. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1968 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mini Cooper weights approximately 390 kg more than 1968 Volkswagen 1302. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Volkswagen 1302 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 1968 Volkswagen 1302. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Mini Cooper (150 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Volkswagen 1302. (108 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Volkswagen 1302. 2009 Mini Cooper has automatic transmission and 1968 Volkswagen 1302 has manual transmission. 1968 Volkswagen 1302 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mini Cooper will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mini Cooper | 1968 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Mini | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cooper | 1302 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 69 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 40 L |
