| Model Year | 2012 | 2008 | |
| Model | Mini Coupe | Mini Hardtop | |
| Engine | turbocharged 1.6L I4 DOHC-4v 181 hp@5500 177 lb-ft@1600  | 
						turbocharged 1.6L I4 DOHC-4v 172 hp@5500 177 lb-ft@1600  | 
						|
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual | |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
| Body | 2dr Hatch | 2dr Hatch | |
| Difference | |||
| Wheelbase | 97.1 in | 97.1 in | 0 in | 
| Length | 146.8 in | 145.6 in | 1.2 in | 
| Width | 66.3 in | 66.3 in | 0 in | 
| Height | 54.3 in | 55.4 in | -1.1 in | 
| Curb Weight | 2724 lb. | 2668 lb. | 56 lb. | 
| Fuel Capacity | 10.6 gal. | 11.0 gal. | -0.4 gal. | 
| Headroom, Row 1 | 38.4 in | 38.8 in | -0.4 in | 
| Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 50.3 in | 50.3 in | 0 in | 
| Legroom, Row 1 | 41.7 in | 41.4 in | 0.3 in | 
| Headroom, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 37.6 in | -37.6 in | 
| Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 44.7 in | -44.7 in | 
| Legroom, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 29.9 in | -29.9 in | 
| Total Legroom | 41.7 in (over 1 rows) | 71.3 in (over 2 rows) | -29.6 in | 
| Cargo Volume, Minimum | 9.8 ft3 | 5.7 ft3 | 4.1 ft3 | 
| Cargo Volume, Maximum | 9.8 ft3 | 24.0 ft3 | -14.2 ft3 | 
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2012 Mini Coupe.
| 2008 Mini Hardtop Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment | 
| 2009 | 2dr Hatch 118-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD  | 
						nevr a backache, I am a six footer that arrives refreshed and never feel cramped. see full Mini Hardtop review | 
| 2009 | 2dr Hatch 118-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD  | 
						heated seats, great driving position, great visability see full Mini Hardtop review | 
| 2008 Mini Hardtop Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment | 
| 2009 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 172hp 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD  | 
							I drove a John Cooperworks MINI and I found the front seat to be incredibly flat and unsupportive. It was the complete opposite of the GTI seats, and a big part of why I purchased the GTI instead see full Mini Hardtop review | 
| 2009 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 172hp 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD  | 
							There is no room for anyone other than a child see full Mini Hardtop review | 
| 2009 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 172hp 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD  | 
							Smallish seats made the front feel kinda cheap. The middle armrest was also a very hard plastic, but the door was slightly softer plastic. see full Mini Hardtop review | 
| 2009 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 172hp 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD  | 
							Despite being a hatchback, not a lot of headroom in the back, almost as same as the Mustang. Seats were more upright and headrest should have been integrated into seatbacks; rather, it was mostly a nuisance. see full Mini Hardtop review | 
| 2008 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 172hp 1.6L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD  | 
							too small for adults see full Mini Hardtop review | 
| 2008 | 2dr Hatch 118-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD  | 
							The roof line is so low that tall people do not fit. When I tested the car my head was touching the roofliner. see full Mini Hardtop review | 
| 2007 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 172hp 1.6L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD  | 
							Its small, but not as small inside as you might think. see full Mini Hardtop review |