1961 Austin Mini Cooper vs. 1990 BMW 316
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 29 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 316 (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. (54 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 316 weights approximately 496 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 1990 BMW 316 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 1990 BMW 316. 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, 1990 BMW 316 (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. (74 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 316 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 | 1990 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Mini Cooper | 316 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 584 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3050 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 70 L |
