1959 Abarth 500 vs. 2013 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2013 Mini Cooper is newer by 54 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 500 would be higher. At 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mini Cooper (181 HP) has 161 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mini Cooper weights approximately 785 kg more than 1959 Abarth 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 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 1959 Abarth 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 2013 Mini Cooper (240 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 500 | 2013 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Abarth | Mini |
| Model | 500 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 181 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3729 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1892 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1407 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2467 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 50 L |
