1961 Austin Mini Cooper vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 47 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 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (247 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. (54 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 1131 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 2008 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, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (330 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 256 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. (74 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin Mini Cooper | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mini Cooper | Passat |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Top Speed | 135 km/hour | 243 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 584 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3050 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 68 L |
