Chic is a word often overused to by car scribes, mainly to describe brutishly large ‘small’ modern cars. The Fiat 500 and the Mini are possibly two of the chic-est cars ever made. Both are superb examples of utilising space, and making the most out of small dimensions. Both epitomise their respective countries. But which one’s the best?
Round 1: The Power
Or lack of. If you’re thinking of buying either of these cars for their power, you’re barking up the wrong tree. Both came with variations of engines throughout their lives. The 500 was originally available with a 479cc engine producing 22bhp. The Mini came with a 848cc engine with a stonking 34bhp. Of course, both have legendary sporting versions, and the Fiat is rear-engined and rear-wheel drive (like a 911!), but the Mini has the power.
Round 2: The Handling
Issigonis is always credited with inadvertently designing a car that handled like nothing else, completely by accident. With it’s low body, and wheels on each corner, the Mini was a giant beater in motorsport. Even now, Goodwood and other racing series are filled with Minis buzzing around much more powerful machinery like a pesky fly. The 500 is no slouch itself though, with its rear-drive set up. It does lack the motorsport pedigree of the Mini however.
Round 3: The Looks
The Mini was a design revolution, with its innovative front wheel drive and transversely mounted engine. It had room for four adults and luggage, yet, it might not be as characterful as the 500. The Italian car almost has a lovable and adorable face. And not only that, Abarth versions had the rear engine on show. Which makes it so much cooler. Literally.
Round 4: Owning One
Good examples of 500s start from £5000, where as Minis can start from £4000, going all the way up to £20,000. You can spend a whole heap of money on either one. But it’s very little money to pay for something as heart-warming as either of these petite classics.
Which would you choose? Pretty and Italian or iconic and British?
Murray Scullion