2008 Mini Cooper vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Mini Cooper is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mini Cooper (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (115 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 20 kg more than 2008 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, both vehicles can yield 155 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mini Cooper | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mini | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cooper | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 6.4 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.4 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
