1957 Abarth 500 vs. 2008 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2008 Mini Cooper is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Abarth 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Abarth 500 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mini Cooper weights approximately 790 kg more than 1957 Abarth 500.
Because 1957 Abarth 500 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 1957 Abarth 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Mini Cooper (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Abarth 500. 2008 Mini Cooper has automatic transmission and 1957 Abarth 500 has manual transmission. 1957 Abarth 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mini Cooper will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Abarth 500 | 2008 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Abarth | Mini |
| Model | 500 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 478 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 50 L |
