1954 Austin A 40 vs. 2009 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2009 Mini Cooper is newer by 55 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin A 40 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 (172 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mini Cooper weights approximately 95 kg more than 1954 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1954 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 1954 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Mini Cooper (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin A 40 | 2009 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Austin | Mini |
| Model | A 40 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 50 L |
