2003 Audi A3 vs. 2006 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2006 Mini Cooper is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Audi A3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Audi A3 would be higher. At 3,188 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Audi A3 (246 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 2006 Mini Cooper. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Audi A3 weights approximately 705 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 2003 Audi A3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Mini Cooper. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Audi A3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2003 Audi A3 (310 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mini Cooper. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mini Cooper. 2003 Audi A3 has automatic transmission and 2006 Mini Cooper has manual transmission. 2006 Mini Cooper will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Audi A3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Audi A3 | 2006 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Audi | Mini |
| Model | A3 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3188 cc | 1606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 246 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.9 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 7.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
