2005 Mini Cooper vs. 2003 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2005 Mini Cooper is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Nissan 350Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Nissan 350Z would be higher. At 3,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan 350Z (265 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 2005 Mini Cooper. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2005 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 200 kg more than 2005 Mini Cooper. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Nissan 350Z 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 Nissan 350Z. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2003 Nissan 350Z (363 Nm) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mini Cooper. (221 Nm). This means 2003 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mini Cooper | 2003 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Mini | Nissan |
| Model | Cooper | 350Z |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1606 cc | 3490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.4 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 76 L |
