1961 Ford Taunus vs. 2012 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mini Cooper (208 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1961 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mini Cooper weights approximately 335 kg more than 1961 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Ford Taunus 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 1961 Ford Taunus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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 Mini Cooper (260 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Taunus. (111 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Taunus | 2012 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Ford | Mini |
| Model | Taunus | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1497 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3734 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1414 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2466 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
