2006 BMW M3 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 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 (355 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 2011 Mini Cooper. (208 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 360 kg more than 2011 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, 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, 2006 BMW M3 (370 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mini Cooper. (260 Nm @ 1850 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2011 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | BMW | Mini |
| Model | M3 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3729 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1407 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2466 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
