1961 Austin Mini Cooper vs. 1971 Fiat 124
To start off, 1971 Fiat 124 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin Mini Cooper would be higher. At 1,197 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Fiat 124 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Fiat 124 (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. (54 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Fiat 124 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Fiat 124 weights approximately 328 kg more than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Fiat 124 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 1971 Fiat 124. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 Austin 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, 1971 Fiat 124 (89 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper. (74 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1971 Fiat 124 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin Mini Cooper | 1971 Fiat 124 | |
| Make | Austin | Fiat |
| Model | Mini Cooper | 124 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.4 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Top Speed | 135 km/hour | 140 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 584 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3050 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 38 L |
