1961 Austin Mini Cooper vs. 1978 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen Polo 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 1,093 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Austin Mini Cooper (54 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Austin Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 101 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, 1978 Volkswagen Polo (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. (74 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 Volkswagen Polo 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 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mini Cooper | Polo |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.4 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 72 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 584 kg | 685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3050 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 35 L |
