2003 Audi A3 vs. 2012 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper is newer by 9 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 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mini Cooper (121 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2003 Audi A3. (100 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 2003 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mini Cooper weights approximately 20 kg more than 2003 Audi A3. 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 2012 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, 2012 Mini Cooper (154 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Audi A3. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Audi A3 | 2012 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Audi | Mini |
| Model | A3 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 154 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 3724 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2466 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.5 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.6 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
