1961 AC Cobra vs. 1961 Austin Mini Cooper
To start off, both 1961 AC Cobra and 1961 Austin Mini Cooper were released in the same year (1961). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 4,265 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 AC Cobra (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 202 more horse power than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. (54 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 AC Cobra weights approximately 396 kg more than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 AC Cobra 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 1961 AC Cobra. 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 AC Cobra (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 291 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. (74 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1961 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Cobra | 1961 Austin Mini Cooper | |
| Make | AC | Austin |
| Model | Cobra | Mini Cooper |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 74 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 584 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 3050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2040 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 25 L |
