The 2015 BMW 228i and the 2015 MINI Cooper S may not compete with each other for sales, but how do they compare on the track?
Both cars are BMWs despite the difference in brand name and they share the same engine architecture, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. However, in the Bimmer, the engine makes 240 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque, while in the MINI the engine makes 189 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque.
The MINI’s fewer horses need to move around less car, though, as the Cooper undercuts the BMW by nearly 500 lbs – 2,895 lbs. vs. 3,470 lbs. The BMW, though, is a rear-drive platform with the company’s xDrive all wheel drive system, while the MINI is a front-driver.
The MINI was equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, while the BMW was equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.
Both cars were put through a 0-60 test, a drag race and a hot lap around the tight go-cart track at IMI Motorsports park in Dacono, Colo. The Bimmer’s rear drive and more powerful engine may give it an edge in a straight line, but the tight track might favor the MINI’s go-cart-like handling.
This review also debuts a new scoring system for TFLcar video reviews. Along with the usual Buy It, Lease It, Rent It or Forget It ratings, cars will also be evaluated on a point system that starts with 10, but goes down one point every time a feature negatively affects the potential buying decision.
So which car ruled at the track? Check out the full TFLcar video mashup review below:
