2008 BMW 320 vs. 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 320 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 320 weights approximately 185 kg more than 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster.
Because 2008 BMW 320 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 2008 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster, 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, 2008 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster. (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster | |
| Make | BMW | Mini |
| Model | 320 | Cooper Roadster |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3734 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1389 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2466 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
