1961 Fiat 500 vs. 2013 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2013 Mini Cooper is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mini Cooper (121 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mini Cooper weights approximately 645 kg more than 1961 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Fiat 500 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 1961 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 2013 Mini Cooper (155 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2013 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 500 | 2013 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Fiat | Mini |
| Model | 500 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 3723 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1892 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1407 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2467 mm |
