1998 BMW M vs. 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW M would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW M (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe. (208 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW M should accelerate faster than 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW M weights approximately 225 kg more than 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 BMW M 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 M. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe, 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 M (340 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe. (260 Nm @ 1850 RPM). This means 1998 BMW M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW M | 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe | |
| Make | BMW | Mini |
| Model | M | Cooper Coupe |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 3734 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2466 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 50 L |
