2006 Mini Cooper vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Mini Cooper is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,604 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mini Cooper (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf 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 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (145 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2006 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mini Cooper | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mini | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cooper | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1604 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 11.5:1 |
| 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 Length | 3640 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
