1961 Austin Mini Cooper vs. 1966 BMW 1600
To start off, 1966 BMW 1600 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin Mini Cooper would be higher. At 1,574 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 BMW 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 BMW 1600 (85 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. (54 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 BMW 1600 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 BMW 1600 weights approximately 336 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 1966 BMW 1600 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 1966 BMW 1600. 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, 1966 BMW 1600 (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. (74 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1966 BMW 1600 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 | 1966 BMW 1600 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Mini Cooper | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1574 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 71 mm |
| Top Speed | 135 km/hour | 161 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 584 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3050 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 45 L |
