1962 Fiat 500 vs. 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman weights approximately 845 kg more than 1962 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 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 1962 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman, 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, 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Fiat 500 | 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman | |
| Make | Fiat | Mini |
| Model | 500 | Cooper Countryman |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Crossover |
| 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 | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| 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 | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1788 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1562 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2596 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 47 L |
