|
|
|
As the FIAT 500 arrives in the United States soon, some comparisons to the MINI Cooper have been made. For our comparison, we chose the two models closest in performance: the MINI Cooper versus the FIAT 500 Sport. FIAT does have a high-performance model, the FIAT 500 Abarth, but that version will not be coming to the US until 2012 or 2013.
Similarities between MINI and FIAT are plenty. Both cars are modern updates to their classic versions which had long, relatively unchanged production runs. The original MINI Cooper from 2001 and the current FIAT 500 were both designed by Frank Stephenson. Both brands entered the US market with a single model. And the “Car of the Year” award was won by both.
One interesting note: MINI has just over 100 dealerships in the US after nine years. FIAT plans to open 130 dealerships at launch.
| 2011 MINI Cooper | 2012 FIAT 500 Sport | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 146.6″ (3,723 mm) | 139.6″ (3,547 mm) |
| Width | 66.3″ (1,683 mm) | 64.1″ (1,627 mm) |
| Height | 55.4″ (1,407 mm) | 59.8″ (1,520 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 97.1″ (2,466 mm) | 90.6″ (2,300 mm) |
| Weight (Manual) | 2,535 lb (1,150 kg) | 2,350 lb (1,068 kg) |
| Weight (Automatic) | 2,612 lb (1,190 kg) | 2,430 lb (1,105 kg) |
| Drag Coefficient | 0.33 | 0.35 |
| Engine and Transmission | ||
| Type and Displacement | Inline 4 Cylinder 1,598 cm³ | Inline 4 cylinder 1,368 cm³ |
| Power | 121 hp (90 kw) @ 6,000 rpm | 101 hp (75 kw) @ 6,900 rpm |
| Torque | 114 lb-ft (160 N-m) @ 4,250 rpm | 98 lb-ft (133 N-m) @ 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual/6-Speed Auto | 5-Speed Manual/6-Speed Auto |
| Suspension | ||
| Front | MacPherson | MacPherson |
| Rear | Multi-Link | Twist-Beam Axle |
| Wheels and Tires | ||
| Wheels | 15″ x 5.5 Aluminum Alloy | 16″ x 6.5 Cast Aluminum |
| Tires | 175/65-R15 All-Season | 195/45-R16 All-Season |
| Price (MSRP) | $19,400 (Excludes Destination) | $17,500 (Excludes Destination) |
| Performance | ||
| Top Speed | 126 mph (203 km/h) | 100 mph (160 km/h) |
| Acceleration (0-62 mph) | 9.1 seconds | 10.5 seconds |
| CO2 Emissions | 127 g/km | 149 g/km |