1960 Abarth 850 vs. 2008 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2008 Mini Cooper is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Abarth 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Abarth 850 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 555 kg more than 1960 Abarth 850.
Because 1960 Abarth 850 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 1960 Abarth 850. 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 (150 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth 850. (70 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Abarth 850. 2008 Mini Cooper has automatic transmission and 1960 Abarth 850 has manual transmission. 1960 Abarth 850 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:
| 1960 Abarth 850 | 2008 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Abarth | Mini |
| Model | 850 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 850 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3600 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 50 L |
