2009 Audi A3 vs. 2011 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2011 Mini Cooper is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Audi A3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Audi A3 would be higher. At 3,196 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi A3 (251 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2011 Mini Cooper. (181 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Audi A3 weights approximately 160 kg more than 2011 Mini Cooper. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Audi A3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Mini Cooper. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Audi A3 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, 2009 Audi A3 (320 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mini Cooper. (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mini Cooper. 2009 Audi A3 has automatic transmission and 2011 Mini Cooper has manual transmission. 2011 Mini Cooper will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Audi A3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A3 | 2011 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Audi | Mini |
| Model | A3 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3196 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1455 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3729 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2466 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
