1978 Fiat 131 vs. 2012 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mini Cooper (208 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mini Cooper weights approximately 30 kg more than 1978 Fiat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Fiat 131 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 1978 Fiat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Mini Cooper (260 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 2012 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Fiat | Mini |
| Model | 131 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3729 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1407 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2466 mm |
