1996 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe (121 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (115 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 1996 Volkswagen Golf (165 Nm) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe. (160 Nm). This means 1996 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mini |
| Model | Golf | Cooper Coupe |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 3729 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1387 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2466 mm |
