Mini and MINI - Comparison

[elhigh]

+1
Agreed. In LHD if possible so the wife can drive it, but I'm a lefty so if it has to be RHD, I get to see what shifting with your "smart" hand is supposed to feel like.

I like little cars. One of these days I have to go to the Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum, it's only a day's drive away. Cars from refrigerator manufacturers, cars from radio manufacturers, sometimes cars from car manufacturers. A whole lot of new perspectives on the philosophies of personal transportation.

[NeilBlanchard]

This is a more fair comparison:




I agree that the taller (CUV?) models are antithetical to the original Mini. But, the new Mini is a hell of a lot safer than the original. I hope they downsize the Mini, closer to the original, but you can't make it modern and stay featherweight.

Here's a Fiat 500 comparison:

[freebeard]

Originally Posted by elhigh

One of these days I have to go to the Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum, it's only a day's drive away.

Before you set out, read the fine print on the page you linked—

Now Closed to the General Public as everything was sold at Auction February 2013
Check back Fall 2014 for something new!

—• •—

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

I hope they downsize the Mini, closer to the original, but you can't make it modern and stay featherweight.

It's actually possible to make it smaller and featherweight while still modern, but it's not exactly so cheap. I can relate it to the Brazilian Gurgel Supermini which space-frame weights just 92.6lbs. and its overall lenght is not so bigger than the original Mini.
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...ity-26471.html

[elhigh]

Originally Posted by freebeard

Before you set out, read the fine print on the page you linked—

—• •—

NOOOOO!!!! dammit!

[Palm]

It does pose the interesting question of how feasible it is with a modern ultralight car. Few cars today are below a 1000kg kerb weight. I wonder if some of the weight is used up for deformation zones etc.?

[Smurf]

1967 Volkswagen Beetle:
Wheelbase......2,400 mm (94.5 in)
Length...........4,079 mm (160.6 in)
Width............1,539 mm (60.6 in)
Curb weight ....800–840 kg (1,760–1,850 lb)

1998-2011 Volkswagen New Beetle:
Wheelbase......2,515 mm (99 in)
Length...........4,129 mm (163 in)
Width............1,721 mm (68 in)
Height...........1,511 mm (59.5 in) (1998–2000),
...................1,498 mm (59 in) (2003–2010)
Curb weight....1,230 kg (2,712 lb)

2012+ Volkswagen Beetle (A5):
Wheelbase......2,537 mm (99.9 in)
Length...........4,278 mm (168.4 in)
Width............1,808 mm (71.2 in)
Height...........1,486 mm (58.5 in)
Curb weight....2,939 lb base

[gone-ot]

We all pack-on-the-pounds as we age...vehicles, as well as drivers (ugh!).

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Palm

It does pose the interesting question of how feasible it is with a modern ultralight car. Few cars today are below a 1000kg kerb weight. I wonder if some of the weight is used up for deformation zones etc.?

It would be still economically viable to apply lightweight materials (such as a few vegetable fibers that can replace fiberglass) in mainstream vehicles, invest on engine downsizing (that 2-cylinder 0.9L engine from Fiat is a good example), and rationalizing the usage of metallic components in structural applications. Simplified interior designs may also work for that matter. Sure most of the weight increasement is related to deformation zones and other safety devices such as airbags, ABS brakes hardware, among others.

[Arragonis]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

...(that 2-cylinder 0.9L engine from Fiat is a good example)...

It has a turbo which adds expense. Also according to rumour control it is made of Chocolate when cared for by the public and dealer network. Owners are not getting the stated FE either.

An Axiam Coupe GTi is pretty light (350 kg / 922 lb)



And it can grumble (it's a Diesel) up to a giddy 45 kp/h carrying two people (not sure both if at once...)

It uses 2.96 litres / 100 km (79.5 MPG US).