1961 Austin Mini Cooper vs. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 51 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (638 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 584 more horse power than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. (54 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 928 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 2012 Chevrolet Corvette 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 2012 Chevrolet Corvette. 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, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (818 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 744 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. (74 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Corvette 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 | 2012 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Austin | Chevrolet |
| Model | Mini Cooper | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 638 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 818 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 135 km/hour | 330 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 584 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3050 mm | 4475 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1928 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1237 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 68 L |
