2009 BMW 320 vs. 2012 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW 320 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 320 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2012 Mini Cooper. (121 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 320 weights approximately 160 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 2009 BMW 320 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 2009 BMW 320. 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, 2009 BMW 320 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mini Cooper. (154 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mini Cooper. 2009 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 2012 Mini Cooper has manual transmission. 2012 Mini Cooper will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 320 | 2012 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | BMW | Mini |
| Model | 320 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 154 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 3724 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2466 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 50 L |
