1996 BMW 525 vs. 2006 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2006 Mini Cooper is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mini Cooper (207 HP @ 6950 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1996 BMW 525. (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 525 weights approximately 295 kg more than 2006 Mini Cooper.
Because 1996 BMW 525 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 1996 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mini Cooper, 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, both vehicles can yield 245 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 525 | 2006 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | BMW | Mini |
| Model | 525 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6950 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 50 L |
