1964 Austin Mini Cooper vs. 1971 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1971 Volkswagen 1600 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Austin Mini Cooper. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Austin Mini Cooper would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Volkswagen 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 Austin Mini Cooper (76 HP) has 23 more horse power than 1971 Volkswagen 1600. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1964 Austin Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1971 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Volkswagen 1600 weights approximately 325 kg more than 1964 Austin Mini Cooper.
Because 1971 Volkswagen 1600 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 1971 Volkswagen 1600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1964 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, 1971 Volkswagen 1600 (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin Mini Cooper. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Volkswagen 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Austin Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Austin Mini Cooper | 1971 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mini Cooper | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3060 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 40 L |
