2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster (121 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 89 kg more than 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster.
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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster. (160 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mini |
| Model | Golf | Cooper Roadster |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1284 kg | 1195 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 3734 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1389 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2466 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
