2003 BMW 320 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 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 320 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mini Cooper (208 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2003 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 320 weights approximately 255 kg more than 2012 Mini Cooper.
Because 2003 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 2003 BMW 320. 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 (260 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 320 | 2012 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | BMW | Mini |
| Model | 320 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3729 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1407 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2466 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
