1963 Austin Mini Cooper vs. 1959 Bristol 406
To start off, 1963 Austin Mini Cooper is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Bristol 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Bristol 406 would be higher. At 2,216 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Bristol 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Bristol 406 (91 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1963 Austin Mini Cooper. (67 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Bristol 406 should accelerate faster than 1963 Austin Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Bristol 406 weights approximately 576 kg more than 1963 Austin Mini Cooper. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Bristol 406 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 1959 Bristol 406. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1963 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, 1959 Bristol 406 (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Austin Mini Cooper. (84 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1959 Bristol 406 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Austin Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Austin Mini Cooper | 1959 Bristol 406 | |
| Make | Austin | Bristol |
| Model | Mini Cooper | 406 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1071 cc | 2216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 68.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 99.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3060 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 81 L |
