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MINI Cooper vs. BMW 128 Review

How the MINI Cooper stacks up against the BMW 128 - by Nigel Cooper, Topanga CA

2010 MINI Cooper
Price Range: $18,550 - $24,250
2010 BMW 128
Price Range: $29,000 - $34,000
MINI Cooper vs. BMW 128 Review

Utility
Neither the MINI Cooper nor the BMW 128 has a marked advantage when it comes to seating capacity. There's no clear winner between the BMW and the MINI as far as transporting cargo.

Performance
As far as horsepower, the 128 packs quite a punch and will knock the MINI Cooper down a few rungs. However, remember that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums.

Dimensions
The BMW 128 is tremendously more bulky than the MINI Cooper. The Cooper's tank is approximately the same size as the BMW 128's, though the 128's is a tad bigger. The MINI fits in smaller parking spaces than the BMW 128. The MINI Cooper's shorter wheelbase will give a nimbler feel in daily traffic. On the other hand, the BMW is likely to have a smoother, more stable ride.

Convenience
The BMW 128's fuel tank will need to be replenished more often than the unit in the MINI Cooper.

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. The MINI is significantly cheaper to get to the dealership than the BMW 128. The 128 will tax your gas budget tremendously more than the MINI Cooper will. With respect to gas mileage, the MINI Cooper beats the 128. The BMW 128 is considerably pricier than the MINI Cooper as far as MSRP. The MINI Cooper will save you a lots_of_money at the pump every year compared to the 128.

Drivetrain
The BMW 128's engine is tremendously more massive than the Cooper's. Keep in mind that larger engines may use more gasoline than smaller ones. Torque is roughly equivalent to acceleration, and in this respect, the BMW 128 is tremendously more powerful than the MINI Cooper. The MINI could learn a lesson or two from the 128 when it comes to pickup.

Comfort
While the front cabin in the MINI Cooper offers a bit more head room than the BMW 128, there honestly isn't much of a difference. The BMW 128 is not particularly roomier for your passengers than the MINI Cooper.

Warranty
The BMW and the MINI Cooper have the same basic after-sale protection.

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