2008 Nissan 350Z vs. 2012 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Nissan 350Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Nissan 350Z would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan 350Z (306 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 2012 Mini Cooper. (121 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2012 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 315 kg more than 2012 Mini Cooper. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Nissan 350Z 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 2008 Nissan 350Z. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2008 Nissan 350Z (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mini Cooper. (160 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Nissan 350Z | 2012 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Nissan | Mini |
| Model | 350Z | Cooper |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 306 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 3734 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1414 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2466 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 50 L |
