2009 Mini Cooper vs. 2008 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2009 Mini Cooper is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Nissan 350Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Nissan 350Z would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan 350Z (306 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 2009 Mini Cooper. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2009 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 510 kg more than 2009 Mini Cooper. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Nissan 350Z 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 2008 Nissan 350Z. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2008 Nissan 350Z (363 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mini Cooper. (150 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mini Cooper. 2009 Mini Cooper has automatic transmission and 2008 Nissan 350Z has manual transmission. 2008 Nissan 350Z will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mini Cooper will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mini Cooper | 2008 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Mini | Nissan |
| Model | Cooper | 350Z |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.2 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 76 L |
