2009 MINI MINI E - Review

By Eric Loveday

Eric Loveday

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Eric Loveday is a car enthusiast with a love for everything automotive. He purchased a 1970 Chevelle at age 16, quickly outgrew its dated engineering... More

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MINI E

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MINI E versus MINI S:  Head to Head Comparison

What happens when you take a car and convert it to an electric version?  To find out we have pitted the MINI E Electric Prototype against a 2008 Mini Cooper S.

First, we will outline our decision to place the Mini E against the S version rather than the base Cooper, then we will run down some specs for comparison purposes, followed by the thrilling head to head test drive.

Technically, the MINI E is based off of the standard Mini Cooper, not the up rated S version.  However, the MINI E is priced significantly higher than either gasoline powered version, its churns out horsepower numbers closer to the S model, and is geared towards the enthusiast with its vast amount of torque and 200 plus ponies on board.  It seems only fitting to pit it against the performance model, the Cooper S.  The base version, an economically sound choice, is not comparable to the high output MINI E.

Now for some specs.  From here on out, the Cooper S will be referred to as the S, the electric Mini will be referred to as the E.  The S comes in at a curb weight of 2,668 pounds, the E at 3,230 pounds.  Advantage S.  Horsepower for the S is listed at 172, the E at 204, advantage E.  Torque for the S is 177 ft-lbs., the E is 162 ft-lbs, advantage S.  0-60 mph times for the S is 6.5 seconds, the E is 8.4 seconds, advantage S.  Range for the S is 382 miles in combined driving, the E is 100 miles, advantage S.  Gas mileage for the S is 29 mpg in combined driving, the E is limitless as it doesn't use a drop of gas, advantage E.  Cost for the S typically equipped is near $27,000, the E would be at least twice that judging by the lease rate of $850 per month.  Advantage S.