2006 Mini Cooper vs. 2012 BMW 328
To start off, 2012 BMW 328 is newer by 6 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 328 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 328 (230 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 2006 Mini Cooper. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 328 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 328 weights approximately 510 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 2012 BMW 328 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 2012 BMW 328. 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, 2012 BMW 328 (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mini Cooper. (150 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 328 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mini Cooper. 2006 Mini Cooper has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW 328 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW 328 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 | 2012 BMW 328 | |
| Make | Mini | BMW |
| Model | Cooper | 328 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 57 L |
