1970 Fiat 850 vs. 1969 Mini MK III
To start off, 1970 Fiat 850 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Mini MK III. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Mini MK III would be higher. At 1,274 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Mini MK III is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Mini MK III (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1970 Fiat 850. (51 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Mini MK III should accelerate faster than 1970 Fiat 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Fiat 850 weights approximately 90 kg more than 1969 Mini MK III.
Because 1970 Fiat 850 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 1970 Fiat 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1969 Mini MK III, 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, 1969 Mini MK III (94 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Fiat 850. (66 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1969 Mini MK III will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Fiat 850 | 1969 Mini MK III | |
| Make | Fiat | Mini |
| Model | 850 | MK III |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 903 cc | 1274 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 735 kg | 645 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 3060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2040 mm |
