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 3,244 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 420 kg more than 2008 Mini Cooper.
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 145 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mini Cooper. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mini Cooper. 2008 Mini Cooper has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW M3 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:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2008 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | BMW | Mini |
| Model | M3 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3244 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 | 0 HP |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 7.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
