1959 Fiat 1500 vs. 2004 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2004 Mini Cooper is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 1500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1500 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mini Cooper (114 HP) has 34 more horse power than 1959 Fiat 1500. (80 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1959 Fiat 1500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mini Cooper weights approximately 135 kg more than 1959 Fiat 1500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Fiat 1500 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 Fiat 1500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Mini Cooper (149 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fiat 1500. (104 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fiat 1500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fiat 1500 | 2004 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Fiat | Mini |
| Model | 1500 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 114 HP |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Top Speed | 169 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 50 L |
