2009 Mini Cooper vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 2009 Mini Cooper is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Renault 12 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 61 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mini Cooper weights approximately 250 kg more than 1974 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12. 2009 Mini Cooper has automatic transmission and 1974 Renault 12 has manual transmission. 1974 Renault 12 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 | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Mini | Renault |
| Model | Cooper | 12 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2450 mm |
