1976 Mini MK IV vs. 1959 Porsche 356
To start off, 1976 Mini MK IV is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Porsche 356 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Porsche 356 (100 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1976 Mini MK IV. (34 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Porsche 356 should accelerate faster than 1976 Mini MK IV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Porsche 356 weights approximately 245 kg more than 1976 Mini MK IV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Porsche 356 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 1959 Porsche 356. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Mini MK IV, 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, 1959 Porsche 356 (121 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mini MK IV. (61 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1959 Porsche 356 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mini MK IV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mini MK IV | 1959 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Mini | Porsche |
| Model | MK IV | 356 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3060 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2110 mm |
