1968 Lotus Europa vs. 1965 Mini Countryman
To start off, 1968 Lotus Europa is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Mini Countryman. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Mini Countryman would be higher. At 1,470 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Lotus Europa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Lotus Europa (76 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1965 Mini Countryman. (34 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Lotus Europa should accelerate faster than 1965 Mini Countryman. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Mini Countryman weights approximately 56 kg more than 1968 Lotus Europa.
Because 1968 Lotus Europa 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 1968 Lotus Europa. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1965 Mini Countryman, 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, 1968 Lotus Europa (103 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Mini Countryman. (60 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1968 Lotus Europa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Mini Countryman.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Europa | 1965 Mini Countryman | |
| Make | Lotus | Mini |
| Model | Europa | Countryman |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1965 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1470 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 666 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1080 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2140 mm |
