2012 Mini Cooper vs. 1980 Holden Commodore
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 3,298 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mini Cooper (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1980 Holden Commodore. (111 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1980 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mini Cooper weights approximately 15 kg more than 1980 Holden Commodore. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Holden Commodore 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 1980 Holden Commodore. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Mini Cooper (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Holden Commodore. (231 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Holden Commodore. 1980 Holden Commodore has automatic transmission and 2012 Mini Cooper has manual transmission. 2012 Mini Cooper will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Holden Commodore will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mini Cooper | 1980 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Mini | Holden |
| Model | Cooper | Commodore |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1600 cc | 3298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3734 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1684 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1414 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2466 mm | 2670 mm |
