1959 Fiat 1800 vs. 1976 Mini MK III
To start off, 1976 Mini MK III is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1800 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Fiat 1800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Fiat 1800 (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1976 Mini MK III. (34 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Fiat 1800 should accelerate faster than 1976 Mini MK III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Fiat 1800 weights approximately 605 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 1959 Fiat 1800 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 1800. 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, 1959 Fiat 1800 (127 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mini MK III. (61 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1959 Fiat 1800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mini MK III.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fiat 1800 | 1976 Mini MK III | |
| Make | Fiat | Mini |
| Model | 1800 | MK III |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 61 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 3060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2040 mm |
