1972 Fiat 500 vs. 2009 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2009 Mini Cooper is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mini Cooper (208 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 500.
Because 1972 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 1972 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Mini Cooper (260 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 500. (28 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 500 | 2009 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Fiat | Mini |
| Model | 500 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 28 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 50 L |
