1963 Austin Mini Cooper vs. 1974 Fiat 124
To start off, 1974 Fiat 124 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Austin Mini Cooper. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Austin Mini Cooper would be higher. At 1,197 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Fiat 124 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Austin Mini Cooper (67 HP) has 8 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 124. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Austin Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Fiat 124 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1963 Austin Mini Cooper.
Because 1974 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 1974 Fiat 124. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1963 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, 1974 Fiat 124 (87 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Austin Mini Cooper. (84 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1974 Fiat 124 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Austin Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Austin Mini Cooper | 1974 Fiat 124 | |
| Make | Austin | Fiat |
| Model | Mini Cooper | 124 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1071 cc | 1197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 87 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 145 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 | 690 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3060 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 38 L |
