1996 Mini MK VI vs. 2011 Mazda 3
To start off, 2011 Mazda 3 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mini MK VI. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mini MK VI would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1996 Mini MK VI. (41 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mini MK VI. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda 3 weights approximately 763 kg more than 1996 Mini MK VI. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2011 Mazda 3 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mini MK VI. (69 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mini MK VI. 2011 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 1996 Mini MK VI has manual transmission. 1996 Mini MK VI will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mini MK VI | 2011 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Mini | Mazda |
| Model | MK VI | 3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 620 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3060 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2639 mm |
