2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman weights approximately 165 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman will offer significantly more control. 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 Mini Cooper Countryman (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (127 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mini |
| Model | Golf | Cooper Countryman |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1788 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1562 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2596 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 47 L |
