1961 Austin Mini Cooper vs. 1972 Renault 12
To start off, 1972 Renault 12 is newer by 11 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 1,289 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Austin Mini Cooper (54 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1972 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Austin Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1972 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Renault 12 weights approximately 322 kg more than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1972 Renault 12 (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. (74 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1972 Renault 12 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 | 1972 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Austin | Renault |
| Model | Mini Cooper | 12 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.4 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 77 mm |
| Top Speed | 135 km/hour | 143 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 584 kg | 906 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3050 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 56 L |
