2006 BMW 120 vs. 2011 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2011 Mini Cooper is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW 120 would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mini Cooper (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2006 BMW 120. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 120 weights approximately 540 kg more than 2011 Mini Cooper.
Because 2006 BMW 120 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 2006 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Mini Cooper (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2011 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 120 | 2011 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | BMW | Mini |
| Model | 120 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 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 | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 3729 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2466 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
