1998 BMW 318 vs. 2012 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper is newer by 14 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 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mini Cooper (121 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 135 kg more than 2012 Mini Cooper.
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, 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, 1998 BMW 318 (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mini Cooper. (154 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2012 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | BMW | Mini |
| Model | 318 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 154 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3724 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2466 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.3 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
