1998 BMW 320 vs. 2011 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2011 Mini Cooper is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,169 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mini Cooper (208 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (170 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 320 weights approximately 290 kg more than 2011 Mini Cooper.
Because 1998 BMW 320 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 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Mini Cooper (260 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 320. 1998 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 2011 Mini Cooper has manual transmission. 2011 Mini Cooper will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 2011 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | BMW | Mini |
| Model | 320 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2169 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3729 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1407 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2466 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
