1980 Fiat 131 vs. 2011 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2011 Mini Cooper is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mini Cooper (121 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mini Cooper weights approximately 205 kg more than 1980 Fiat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Fiat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Mini Cooper (154 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 131 | 2011 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Fiat | Mini |
| Model | 131 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 154 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3724 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2466 mm |
