2006 Mini Cooper vs. 1996 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Mini Cooper is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mini Cooper (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 85 kg more than 2006 Mini Cooper.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mini Cooper (151 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mini Cooper | 1996 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mini | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cooper | Passat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1604 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1620 mm |
