1998 BMW 318 vs. 2006 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2006 Mini Cooper is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 318 (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2006 Mini Cooper. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 85 kg more than 2006 Mini Cooper. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 BMW 318 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 1998 BMW 318. 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, 1998 BMW 318 (180 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mini Cooper. (150 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mini Cooper. 2006 Mini Cooper has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mini Cooper will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2006 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | BMW | Mini |
| Model | 318 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 50 L |
