2008 Ford Taurus vs. 2012 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2012 Mini Cooper. (208 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2012 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mini Cooper weights approximately 103 kg more than 2008 Ford Taurus.
Because 2008 Ford Taurus is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mini Cooper. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus will offer significantly more control. 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 Ford Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mini Cooper. (260 Nm @ 1850 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mini Cooper. 2008 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2012 Mini Cooper has manual transmission. 2012 Mini Cooper will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Taurus | 2012 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Ford | Mini |
| Model | Taurus | Cooper |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 3729 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1407 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2466 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 50 L |
