2006 Mini Cooper vs. 2009 Pontiac Solstice
To start off, 2009 Pontiac Solstice is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mini Cooper. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mini Cooper would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Pontiac Solstice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Pontiac Solstice (260 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 2006 Mini Cooper. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Pontiac Solstice should accelerate faster than 2006 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Pontiac Solstice weights approximately 204 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.
Because 2009 Pontiac Solstice 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 2009 Pontiac Solstice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mini Cooper, 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, 2009 Pontiac Solstice (353 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mini Cooper. (151 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Pontiac Solstice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mini Cooper | 2009 Pontiac Solstice | |
| Make | Mini | Pontiac |
| Model | Cooper | Solstice |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1604 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3640 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.7 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.7 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 49 L |
