1973 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1961 Austin Mini Cooper
To start off, 1973 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 12 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 1,289 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Alfa Romeo Spider (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. (54 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 396 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 1973 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 1973 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, 1973 Alfa Romeo Spider (121 Nm) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. (74 Nm). This means 1973 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1961 Austin Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin |
| Model | Spider | Mini Cooper |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 74 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 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 |
