1972 AMC Matador vs. 1961 Austin Mini Cooper
To start off, 1972 AMC Matador is newer by 11 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 6,571 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Matador (255 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. (54 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 1046 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 1972 AMC Matador 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 1972 AMC Matador. 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, 1972 AMC Matador (469 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 395 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. (74 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. 1972 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1961 Austin Mini Cooper has manual transmission. 1961 Austin Mini Cooper will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 AMC Matador will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Matador | 1961 Austin Mini Cooper | |
| Make | AMC | Austin |
| Model | Matador | Mini Cooper |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 469 Nm | 74 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 105.6 mm | 62.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.4 mm | 81.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 186 km/hour | 135 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 584 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 3050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2040 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 25 L |
