2006 BMW M3 vs. 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster is newer by 6 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. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster. (181 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 410 kg more than 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster. 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, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster, 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 125 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster. (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster | |
| Make | BMW | Mini |
| Model | M3 | Cooper Roadster |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3244 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3734 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1389 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2466 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
