1968 Fiat 500 vs. 2011 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2011 Mini Cooper is newer by 43 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 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mini Cooper (121 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mini Cooper weights approximately 745 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, 2011 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, 2011 Mini Cooper (154 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2011 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 | 2011 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Fiat | Mini |
| Model | 500 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 497 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 154 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 480 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 3724 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2466 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 44 L | 50 L |
