1996 BMW 540 vs. 2012 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 2012 Mini Cooper. (121 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 590 kg more than 2012 Mini Cooper. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 540 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 540. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 286 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mini Cooper. (154 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2012 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | BMW | Mini |
| Model | 540 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 154 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3724 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2466 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.7 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
