1950 Austin A 40 vs. 2006 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2006 Mini Cooper is newer by 56 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1950 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1950 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mini Cooper (169 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1950 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mini Cooper weights approximately 249 kg more than 1950 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1950 Austin A 40 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 1950 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Mini Cooper (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Austin A 40 | 2006 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Austin | Mini |
| Model | A 40 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1950 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 127 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 50 L |
