2012 Mini Cooper vs. 1997 Peugeot 406
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Peugeot 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Peugeot 406 would be higher. At 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Peugeot 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mini Cooper (208 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1997 Peugeot 406. (191 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1997 Peugeot 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Peugeot 406 weights approximately 75 kg more than 2012 Mini Cooper.
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, 1997 Peugeot 406 (267 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mini Cooper. (260 Nm @ 1850 RPM). This means 1997 Peugeot 406 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mini Cooper. 1997 Peugeot 406 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. 1997 Peugeot 406 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mini Cooper | 1997 Peugeot 406 | |
| Make | Mini | Peugeot |
| Model | Cooper | 406 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1600 cc | 2946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 191 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1850 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3734 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1684 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1414 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2466 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 45 L |
