2009 BMW M3 vs. 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 293 more horse power than 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe. (121 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 365 kg more than 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW M3 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 M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe, 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 M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe. (160 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe | |
| Make | BMW | Mini |
| Model | M3 | Cooper Coupe |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 3729 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1387 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2466 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
