1959 Fairthorpe Zeta vs. 1976 Mini MK IV
To start off, 1976 Mini MK IV is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta would be higher. At 2,553 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1976 Mini MK IV. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta should accelerate faster than 1976 Mini MK IV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta weights approximately 28 kg more than 1976 Mini MK IV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta 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 Fairthorpe Zeta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Mini MK IV, 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, 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta (217 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mini MK IV. (94 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mini MK IV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta | 1976 Mini MK IV | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Mini |
| Model | Zeta | MK IV |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2553 cc | 1275 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 673 kg | 645 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3560 mm | 3060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2040 mm |
