MINI JOHN COOPER WORKS
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Audi RS 3 Sportback
Two cars with impressive exclusive exteriors
MINI John Cooper Works
Audi RS 3 Sportback
MINI John Cooper Works
Audi RS 3 Sportback
MINI will be redesigning all of its models to a new generation in 2024. The pinnacle of the series, the MINI John Cooper Works, is a specially tuned, high-performance model. The John Cooper Works (JCW) lineup includes the 3-door (ICE), 3-door (EV), convertible, Aceman, and Countryman. This time, we’ll be focusing on the most compact 3-door John Cooper Works (ICE).
The Audi RS 3 Sportback is the top-of-the-line high-performance model of the A3. It features a unique diamond-patterned single-frame grille and front and rear fenders, reminiscent of the Audi Sport quattro S1 Pikes Peak.
Compared to the MINI John Cooper Works, which belongs to the B segment, the RS 3 Sportback, which belongs to the C segment, is 505mm longer, 105mm wider, and has a wheelbase that is 135mm longer. Despite their different sizes, both models have the impressive presence of a sports model thanks to their exclusive exteriors.
MINI John Cooper Works
Body size = Length 3875mm x Width 1745mm x Height 1455mm
Wheelbase = 2495mm
Vehicle weight = 1350kg
Tire size = 215/45R17
Audi RS 3 Sportback
Body size = Length 4380mm x Width 1850mm x Height 1435mm
Wheelbase = 2630mm
Vehicle weight = 1580kg
Tire size = 265/30R19 (front), 245/35R19 (rear)
The RS 3 Sportback pulls ahead with powerful power
MINI John Cooper Works
Audi RS 3 Sportback
MINI John Cooper Works
Audi RS 3 Sportback
The MINI John Cooper Works is equipped with a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo engine that produces 231 PS and 380 Nm of torque, while the RS 3 Sportback is equipped with a 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder TFSI direct injection turbo engine tuned by Audi Sport, boasting impressive specs of 400 PS and 500 Nm of torque.
The RS 3 Sportback is 230 kg heavier. While the top speed is the same at 250 km/h, the 169 PS power difference and the traction performance of the AWD are significant, resulting in an acceleration time of 0-100 km/h of 3.8 seconds for the Audi RS 3 Sportback, compared to 6.1 seconds for the MINI John Cooper Works, a difference of 2.3 seconds.
MINI John Cooper Works
Engine type = Inline 4-cylinder gasoline turbo
Displacement = 1998cc
Maximum output = 231PS/5000rpm
Maximum torque = 380Nm/1500-4000rpm
Transmission = 7-speed DCT
Drive system = FWD
Top speed = 250km/h
Acceleration from 0 to 100km/h = 6.1 seconds
Audi RS 3 Sportback
Engine type = Inline 5-cylinder TSFI gasoline turbo
Displacement = 2480cc
Maximum output = 400PS / 5600-7000rpm
Maximum torque = 500Nm / 2250-5600rpm
Transmission = 7-speed S tronic transmission
Drive system = AWD
Top speed = 250km/h (limited)
0-100km/h acceleration = 3.8 seconds
Will MINI’s unique personality bridge the gap between cars?
MINI John Cooper Works
Audi RS 3 Sportback
During the development of the improved new Audi RS 3 Sportback, a prototype was brought to the Nürburgring Nordschleife, where it achieved a time of 7 minutes 33.123 seconds, beating the previous class record by more than five seconds. MINI John Cooper Works also took part in the Nürburgring 24 Hours race with a race specification developed based on the prototype.
The two cars share the commonality of having been forged at Nürburgring, but their characters and positions are in stark contrast. The MINI John Cooper Works has a unique interior centered around a large circular OLED center display, while the RS 3 Sportback combines a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus with a 10.1-inch touch display, creating a high-quality interior space that is characteristic of Audi.
The RS 3 Sportback is superior in terms of rear seat comfort, and also in terms of luggage capacity, taking advantage of its size. The price difference is 3.7 million yen, but if you’re looking for specs and comfort, the RS 3 Sportback is the better choice. Still, the MINI John Cooper Works offers a rare advantage: its easy maneuverability in urban areas, taking advantage of a “go-kart feeling.”
