2006 Mini Cooper vs. 1996 Volvo V40
To start off, 2006 Mini Cooper is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volvo V40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volvo V40 would be higher. At 1,946 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volvo V40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo V40 (138 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2006 Mini Cooper. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo V40 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo V40 weights approximately 105 kg more than 2006 Mini Cooper. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo V40. (176 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo V40.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mini Cooper | 1996 Volvo V40 | |
| Make | Mini | Volvo |
| Model | Cooper | V40 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | 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 | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2570 mm |
