1961 Mini MK I vs. 1978 Toyota Corona
To start off, 1978 Toyota Corona is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mini MK I. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mini MK I would be higher. At 2,189 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Toyota Corona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Toyota Corona (96 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1961 Mini MK I. (34 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Toyota Corona should accelerate faster than 1961 Mini MK I. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Toyota Corona weights approximately 535 kg more than 1961 Mini MK I. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Toyota Corona 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 1978 Toyota Corona. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 Mini MK I, 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, 1978 Toyota Corona (163 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Mini MK I. (60 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1978 Toyota Corona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Mini MK I. 1978 Toyota Corona has automatic transmission and 1961 Mini MK I has manual transmission. 1961 Mini MK I will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Toyota Corona will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Mini MK I | 1978 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Mini | Toyota |
| Model | MK I | Corona |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 2189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 615 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3060 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2530 mm |
