2003 BMW 520 vs. 2008 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2008 Mini Cooper is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,170 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 435 kg more than 2008 Mini Cooper.
Because 2003 BMW 520 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 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Mini Cooper (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520. 2008 Mini Cooper has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mini Cooper will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2008 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | BMW | Mini |
| Model | 520 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.5 seconds | 7.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.5 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
