2006 BMW M3 vs. 2008 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2008 Mini Cooper is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 225 more horse power than 2008 Mini Cooper. (113 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 424 kg more than 2008 Mini Cooper. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW M3 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 M3. 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, 2006 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mini Cooper. (149 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2008 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | BMW | Mini |
| Model | M3 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 10.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
