Italy vs Italy — 1971 vs 1966
| A112 Abarth | Mini Cooper 1300 Export | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 58 hp | 71 hp |
| Torque | 60 lb-ft | 74 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 982 cc | 1,275 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 13.5 sec | 13.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 93 mph | 95 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 19.5 sec | 19.5 sec |
| Weight | 1,499 lbs | 1,411 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,038 mm | 2,036 mm |
| Length | 3,230 mm | 3,054 mm |
| Units Produced | 1,250,000 | 45,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $30,000 | $40,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 7/10 |
The 1966 Innocenti Mini Cooper 1300 Export emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1971 Autobianchi A112 Abarth counters with its unique character, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
The 1971 Autobianchi A112 Abarth and 1966 Innocenti Mini Cooper 1300 Export stand as two of the most notable City Car cars from Muscle era. Both emerged during a period of intense competition, and choosing between them remains a passionate debate among collectors. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1971 Autobianchi A112 Abarth producing 58 hp and the 1966 Innocenti Mini Cooper 1300 Export delivering 71 hp. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1966 Innocenti Mini Cooper 1300 Export edges ahead at 13.5 seconds versus 13.5 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 45,000 units built, the 1966 Innocenti Mini Cooper 1300 Export is considerably scarcer than the Autobianchi A112's 1,250,000 examples. Both trade at comparable values on the collector market, making the choice between them largely one of personal preference.