2008 Mini Cooper vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mini Cooper. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mini Cooper would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2008 Mini Cooper. (169 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 70 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 2011 BMW 120 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 2011 BMW 120. 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, 2011 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mini Cooper. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mini Cooper | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Mini | BMW |
| Model | Cooper | 120 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.4 seconds | 7.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 51 L |
