1961 Austin Mini Cooper vs. 1990 BMW 520
To start off, 1990 BMW 520 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 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 520 (145 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. (54 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 520 weights approximately 958 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 520 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 520. 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 520 (186 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. (74 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 520 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 520 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Mini Cooper | 520 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 66 mm |
| Top Speed | 135 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| 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 | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3050 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2770 mm |
