2009 Mini Cooper vs. 1996 Opel Astra
To start off, 2009 Mini Cooper is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Opel Astra would be higher. At 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 114 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mini Cooper weights approximately 50 kg more than 1996 Opel Astra.
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, 1996 Opel Astra (170 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mini Cooper. (150 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mini Cooper. 2009 Mini Cooper has automatic transmission and 1996 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 1996 Opel Astra 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 | 1996 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mini | Opel |
| Model | Cooper | Astra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2620 mm |
