1961 Austin Mini Cooper vs. 1978 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 1978 Vauxhall Chevette is newer by 17 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 1,255 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Vauxhall Chevette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Vauxhall Chevette (56 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. (54 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Vauxhall Chevette should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Vauxhall Chevette weights approximately 271 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 1978 Vauxhall Chevette 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 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. 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, 1978 Vauxhall Chevette (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. (74 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 Vauxhall Chevette 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 | 1978 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Austin | Vauxhall |
| Model | Mini Cooper | Chevette |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1255 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 61 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 584 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3050 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 45 L |
