2008 Mini Cooper vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 4 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen GTI is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mini Cooper (207 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 178 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, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mini Cooper. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mini Cooper. 2012 Volkswagen GTI has automatic transmission and 2008 Mini Cooper has manual transmission. 2008 Mini Cooper will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen GTI will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mini Cooper | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Mini | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cooper | GTI |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 207 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
