1961 Austin Mini Cooper vs. 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia 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 1,492 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Austin Mini Cooper (54 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Austin Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 266 kg more than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper.
Because 1970 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 1970 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, 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (102 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. (74 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1970 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 | 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
Model | Mini Cooper | Karmann-Ghia |
Year Released | 1961 | 1970 |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 948 cc | 1492 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 54 HP | 43 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
Torque | 74 Nm | 102 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 | 850 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 |