1961 Austin Mini Cooper vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 50 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. (54 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 941 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 2011 BMW 120 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 2011 BMW 120. 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, 2011 BMW 120 (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. (74 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. 2011 BMW 120 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. 2011 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin Mini Cooper | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Mini Cooper | 120 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.4 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 584 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3050 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 53 L |
