1974 Mini MK III vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mini MK III. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mini MK III would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (207 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1974 Mini MK III. (34 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mini MK III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 1160 kg more than 1974 Mini MK III. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Mini MK III. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (401 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 340 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mini MK III. (61 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mini MK III.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mini MK III | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Mini | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | MK III | 159 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3060 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2710 mm |
