1988 Fiat 126 vs. 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe (121 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1988 Fiat 126. (26 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe should accelerate faster than 1988 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe weights approximately 512 kg more than 1988 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe, 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 Coupe (160 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Fiat 126 | 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe | |
| Make | Fiat | Mini |
| Model | 126 | Cooper Coupe |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 703 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 648 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3729 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1387 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2466 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
