2006 Mazda 3 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 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster weights approximately 125 kg more than 2006 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mazda 3 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 Mazda 3. 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, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster | |
| Make | Mazda | Mini |
| Model | 3 | Cooper Roadster |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 3734 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1389 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2466 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
