1961 Austin Mini Cooper vs. 1970 Volkswagen 411
To start off, 1970 Volkswagen 411 is newer by 9 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 1,679 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Volkswagen 411 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Volkswagen 411 (80 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. (54 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Volkswagen 411 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Volkswagen 411 weights approximately 448 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 1970 Volkswagen 411 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 1970 Volkswagen 411. 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, 1970 Volkswagen 411 (131 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. (74 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1970 Volkswagen 411 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 | 1970 Volkswagen 411 | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mini Cooper | 411 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1679 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 66 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 584 kg | 1032 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3050 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2500 mm |
