1961 Austin Mini Cooper vs. 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1961 Austin Mini Cooper is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,192 cc (4 cylinders), 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Austin Mini Cooper (54 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (30 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Austin Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 236 kg more than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper.
Because 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia 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 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 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, 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (77 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. (74 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin Mini Cooper | 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mini Cooper | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 30 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 584 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3050 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2430 mm |
