1979 Fiat 131 vs. 2009 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2009 Mini Cooper is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 2,443 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mini Cooper (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 131. (71 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Fiat 131 weights approximately 85 kg more than 2009 Mini Cooper.
Because 1979 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 1979 Fiat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1979 Fiat 131 (152 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mini Cooper. (150 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 131 | 2009 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Fiat | Mini |
| Model | 131 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2470 mm |
