1961 Austin Mini Cooper vs. 1981 Nissan Cherry
To start off, 1981 Nissan Cherry is newer by 20 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 1,488 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Cherry is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Cherry (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. (54 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Cherry should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Cherry weights approximately 266 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.
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, 1981 Nissan Cherry (123 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. (74 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Cherry will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. 1981 Nissan Cherry has automatic transmission and 1961 Austin Mini Cooper has manual transmission. 1961 Austin Mini Cooper will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Nissan Cherry will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin Mini Cooper | 1981 Nissan Cherry | |
| Make | Austin | Nissan |
| Model | Mini Cooper | Cherry |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 584 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3050 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2400 mm |
