1961 Austin Mini Cooper vs. 1990 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1990 Volkswagen Passat 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (157 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. (54 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 761 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 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Passat (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. (74 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1990 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mini Cooper | Passat |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 135 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 584 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3050 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 70 L |
