2008 Mazda 3 vs. 2006 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 2 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mini Cooper (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 3 weights approximately 135 kg more than 2006 Mini Cooper.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2006 Mini Cooper (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3. 2006 Mini Cooper has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda 3 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:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 2006 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Mazda | Mini |
| Model | 3 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 222 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 7.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
