1956 Abarth 600 vs. 1961 Austin Mini Cooper
To start off, 1961 Austin Mini Cooper is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 948 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Austin Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Austin Mini Cooper (54 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1956 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Austin Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1956 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Abarth 600 weights approximately 1 kg more than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper.
Because 1956 Abarth 600 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 1956 Abarth 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 Austin 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, 1961 Austin Mini Cooper (74 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1961 Austin Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Abarth 600 | 1961 Austin Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Abarth | Austin |
| Model | 600 | Mini Cooper |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 746 cc | 948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 74 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 62.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 81.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 584 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 3050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2040 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 25 L |
