1963 Austin Mini Cooper vs. 1981 BMW M1
To start off, 1981 BMW M1 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Austin Mini Cooper. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Austin Mini Cooper would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 206 more horse power than 1963 Austin Mini Cooper. (67 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1963 Austin Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW M1 weights approximately 610 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 1981 BMW M1 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 1981 BMW M1. 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, 1981 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Austin Mini Cooper. (84 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 BMW M1 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 | 1981 BMW M1 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Mini Cooper | M1 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1071 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 273 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3060 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 116 L |
