1974 Fiat 500 vs. 2008 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2008 Mini Cooper is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mini Cooper (172 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mini Cooper weights approximately 699 kg more than 1974 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Mini Cooper (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 500 | 2008 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Fiat | Mini |
| Model | 500 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1600 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 | 516 kg | 1215 kg |
| 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 |
