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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mini Cooper (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 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 45 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 (149 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2006 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 2006 Mini Cooper has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mini Cooper will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mini Cooper | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mini | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cooper | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2520 mm |
