2008 Mini Cooper vs. 2006 Pontiac Solstice
To start off, 2008 Mini Cooper is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Pontiac Solstice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Pontiac Solstice would be higher. At 2,399 cc, 2006 Pontiac Solstice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Pontiac Solstice (177 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2008 Mini Cooper. (169 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Pontiac Solstice should accelerate faster than 2008 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Pontiac Solstice weights approximately 32 kg more than 2008 Mini Cooper. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Pontiac Solstice 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 2006 Pontiac Solstice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2006 Pontiac Solstice (225 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mini Cooper. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Pontiac Solstice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mini Cooper | 2006 Pontiac Solstice | |
| Make | Mini | Pontiac |
| Model | Cooper | Solstice |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2399 cc |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 87.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 97.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1347 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 49 L |
