Photo: Image edited by autoevolution
With the launch of the new MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop, things in the supermini segment have seriously heated up. The thing is, for the new kid on the block there’s only one other rival that’s also considered ‘premium’ and that’s Audi’s S1.
The Ingolstadt creation has been around for a couple more months being launched this May and it managed to get a foothold in the segment before the rival from Oxford arrived. However, now that it’s here, let’s take a look at how they match up.
That might not sound like much but when you’re dealing with such low levels of power, it might be the difference between winning and losing.
That means that in a straight line it will defeat the MINI that will do 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.1 seconds at the least while the German will reach the same speed 0.3 seconds faster.
In terms of handling, the two should be pretty closely matched considering that they both have independent rear suspension and weigh around 1.4 tons. Speaking of which, we should mention that the MINI has the win here, being nearly 100 kg (221 lb-ft) lighter than the Audi.
In the end, it’s all up to the buyer and what he looks for. Either way you’ll have to pay at least €30,000 for either and that’s a pretty penny, for sure.
Engines
The Audi has the edge here, being fitted with a 2-liter TFSI plant making 231 HP and 370 Nm (273 lb-ft) of torque. That’s slightly more than what MINI is bringing to the table with its B48 2-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes the same amount of power but less torque, being rated at just 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque.That might not sound like much but when you’re dealing with such low levels of power, it might be the difference between winning and losing.
Transmission
Along with those engines come new transmissions. In the case of the MINI you can have it with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic, the latter being the faster choice but only by 0.2 seconds. However, the S1 is available only with the manual 6-speed but it does make up for it with the quattro all-wheel drive system.That means that in a straight line it will defeat the MINI that will do 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.1 seconds at the least while the German will reach the same speed 0.3 seconds faster.
Handling and interior
As far as styling goes, everyone will always have a favorite. That’s true for both inside and outside but the truth of the matter is the MINI has a refreshing interior that is more funky than ever and might attract more customers. Those sexy seats might also help out.In terms of handling, the two should be pretty closely matched considering that they both have independent rear suspension and weigh around 1.4 tons. Speaking of which, we should mention that the MINI has the win here, being nearly 100 kg (221 lb-ft) lighter than the Audi.
In the end, it’s all up to the buyer and what he looks for. Either way you’ll have to pay at least €30,000 for either and that’s a pretty penny, for sure.
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