This paper presents an Comparative investigation of three 12-slot/14-pole surface-mounted permanent-magnet (SPM) machines with different winding configurations by finite element analysis (FEA). Three winding distributions for machines are investigated. For the first two situations, machines have equal teeth width, with one having all teeth wound and the other having alternative teeth wound. For the third case, also alternative teeth winding are adopted while the teeth having coils are narrower than these without coils. Firstly, we analyzed flux linkage flux density and back electromotive force (back-EMF) of the machines. Then we studied their torque characteristics including electromagnetic torque and cogging torque. In addition, we studied the fault tolerant capability of machines. The results show that machine with alternative teeth wound on unequal teeth has the highest torque capability although with a slightly higher ripple torque. The cogging torque and ripple torque of machine with all teeth wound are the lowest. Machines with alternative teeth wound either on equal teeth or unequal teeth have better fault tolerant capability.