1978 Innocenti Mini vs. 1968 Lotus Europa
To start off, 1978 Innocenti Mini is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Europa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Europa would be higher. At 1,470 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Lotus Europa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Lotus Europa (76 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1978 Innocenti Mini. (48 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Lotus Europa should accelerate faster than 1978 Innocenti Mini. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Innocenti Mini weights approximately 116 kg more than 1968 Lotus Europa.
Because 1968 Lotus Europa 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 1968 Lotus Europa. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Innocenti Mini, 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, 1968 Lotus Europa (103 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Innocenti Mini. (69 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1968 Lotus Europa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Innocenti Mini.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Innocenti Mini | 1968 Lotus Europa | |
| Make | Innocenti | Lotus |
| Model | Mini | Europa |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 1470 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 48 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 726 kg | 610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3170 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1080 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2050 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 45 L |
