Over the years, the venerable Mini Cooper has seen multiple transformations from the classic British Mini of the 1960’s to the re-launched BMW-built version introduced in 2001. With an all-electric model now thrown into the mix, The Fast Lane Car YouTube channel took it upon themselves to corral a bevy of Minis representing the best of the respective eras of the marque and see how they stack up against one another.
In total, there were four Mini models present for the showdown: a classic Mini Mark VI powered by a 1,275 cc motor cranking out 75 hp; a 2013 turbocharged Mini Cooper GP with 218 hp; a brand-new 2022 Cooper S John Cooper Works edition with 228 hp; and last but not least, the 2022 Mini Cooper SE electric vehicle with 181 hp.
Mini Cooper Drag Race Showdown
The first drag race of the day was a matchup of new and old, pitting the classic Mini against the EV model. In order to even things up a bit, the electric Mini was switched into ‘Green-Plus’ mode for the race.
Despite the handicap, the electric Mini handily won the contest and easily fended off the classic version while lapping the twisty road course.
Next up was the 2013 Mini GP versus the 2022 JCW edition. This race was closer, with the new model just edging out the earlier version. With that win under its belt, it was on to the final matchup: the electric Mini SE versus the JCW.
According to Roman from TFL, the Mini Cooper SE requires little in the way of driving prowess in order to deliver a consistent result. “The great thing about this car is it takes no skill, all you do is floor it,” he said.
Again the 2022 Mini Cooper JCW showed up the competition, winning the drag race by a slight margin.
Mini Cooper JCW vs. All-Electric Mini SE
“I think if BMW wanted to, they could have made the electric Mini faster than the JCW, but for obvious reasons, they didn’t,” said Roman.
With an EPA estimated range of 114 miles and a claimed 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds, the electric Mini SE may be adequate for everyday commuting duty, but according to the latest gossip, there’s higher performance version in the works.
“Rumors are that there’s going to be an even hotter electric Mini coming soon, so when that comes [out] we’ll have to re-do this race,” said Tommy from TFL.
Source: YouTube
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