1969 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1961 Austin Mini Cooper
To start off, 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin Mini Cooper would be higher. At 1,779 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. (54 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 436 kg more than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider 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 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 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, 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider (170 Nm) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. (74 Nm). This means 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1961 Austin Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin |
| Model | Spider | Mini Cooper |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1779 cc | 948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 74 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 62.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 81.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 584 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2040 mm |
