1961 Austin Mini Cooper vs. 1986 Avanti Avanti
To start off, 1986 Avanti Avanti is newer by 25 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 5,001 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Avanti Avanti is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Avanti Avanti (212 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. (54 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Avanti Avanti should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Avanti Avanti weights approximately 1036 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 1986 Avanti Avanti 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 1986 Avanti Avanti. 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, 1986 Avanti Avanti (400 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 326 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. (74 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1986 Avanti Avanti will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. 1986 Avanti Avanti 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. 1986 Avanti Avanti will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin Mini Cooper | 1986 Avanti Avanti | |
| Make | Austin | Avanti |
| Model | Mini Cooper | Avanti |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1986 |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 5001 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 584 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3050 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2780 mm |
