1966 Mini Countryman vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Mini Countryman. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Mini Countryman would be higher. At 2,327 cc (5 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1966 Mini Countryman. (34 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1966 Mini Countryman. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 795 kg more than 1966 Mini Countryman. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1966 Mini Countryman. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (206 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Mini Countryman. (61 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Mini Countryman.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Mini Countryman | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mini | Volkswagen |
| Model | Countryman | Passat |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 2327 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2710 mm |
