2006 Mini Cooper vs. 2011 BMW 530
To start off, 2011 BMW 530 is newer by 5 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 530 (256 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 2006 Mini Cooper. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mini Cooper.
Because 2011 BMW 530 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 2011 BMW 530. 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, 2011 BMW 530 (540 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 320 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mini Cooper. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mini Cooper | 2011 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Mini | BMW |
| Model | Cooper | 530 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
