2001 BMW 318 vs. 2012 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mini Cooper (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 318 weights approximately 145 kg more than 2012 Mini Cooper.
Because 2001 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 2001 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, 2012 Mini Cooper (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 2012 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | BMW | Mini |
| Model | 318 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | 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 | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1600 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 | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3729 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2466 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
