1979 Fiat 126 vs. 2008 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2008 Mini Cooper is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Fiat 126 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 (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mini Cooper weights approximately 555 kg more than 1979 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Fiat 126 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 1979 Fiat 126. 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 (155 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 126 | 2008 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Fiat | Mini |
| Model | 126 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2470 mm |
