1976 Mini MK III vs. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 1981 Vauxhall Chevette is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mini MK III. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mini MK III would be higher. At 1,256 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Vauxhall Chevette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Vauxhall Chevette (56 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1976 Mini MK III. (34 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Vauxhall Chevette should accelerate faster than 1976 Mini MK III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette weights approximately 245 kg more than 1976 Mini MK III. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Vauxhall Chevette 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 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Mini MK III, 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, 1981 Vauxhall Chevette (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mini MK III. (61 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1981 Vauxhall Chevette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mini MK III.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mini MK III | 1981 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Mini | Vauxhall |
| Model | MK III | Chevette |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 1256 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3060 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2400 mm |
