1968 Fiat 500 vs. 2006 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2006 Mini Cooper is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,604 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mini Cooper (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mini Cooper weights approximately 615 kg more than 1968 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 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 1968 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Mini Cooper (151 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2006 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 500 | 2006 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Fiat | Mini |
| Model | 500 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1604 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.5 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 3640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 50 L |
