2012 Mini Cooper vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2012 Mini Cooper. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 Mini Cooper would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (227 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2012 Mini Cooper. (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 2012 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 230 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 2013 BMW 3 Series 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 2013 BMW 3 Series. 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mini Cooper. (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mini Cooper | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Mini | BMW |
| Model | Cooper | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1600 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3729 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1684 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1415 mm | 1395 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2466 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.7 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.7 L/100km | 10.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 61 L |
