1954 Austin A 40 vs. 2012 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper is newer by 58 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 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mini Cooper (208 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mini Cooper weights approximately 180 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, 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 (260 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Austin | Mini |
| Model | A 40 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3729 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1407 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2466 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 50 L |
