Compare the2022 MINI Cooper ConvertibleVS 2021 Audi A5

The Cooper Convertible’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The A5 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the Cooper Convertible and the A5 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras and available front parking sensors.

MINI pays for scheduled maintenance on the Cooper Convertible for 3 years and 36,000 miles. MINI will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Audi only pays for the first scheduled maintenance visit on the A5.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Cooper Convertible first among compact sporty cars in their 2020 Initial Quality Study. The A5 isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2020 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that MINI vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks MINI 16th in initial quality. With 51 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is ranked 32nd.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that MINI vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks MINI 17th in reliability. With 2 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is ranked 20th.

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the A5.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the Cooper Convertible can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The A5 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The Cooper Convertible offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The A5’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For better maneuverability, the Cooper Convertible’s turning circle is 2.3 feet tighter than the A5’s (35.4 feet vs. 37.7 feet).

The MINI Cooper Convertible may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 750 to 850 pounds less than the Audi A5.

The Cooper Convertible is 2 feet, 8.7 inches shorter than the A5, making the Cooper Convertible easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that MINI service is better than Audi. J.D. Power ranks MINI 9th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 2% lower rating, Audi is ranked 12th.

If the windows are left open on the Cooper Convertible the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the A5 can’t use the remote to operate the windows.

In case of a sudden change of weather, the Cooper Convertible offers an optional remote convertible top that can be raised from a distance to protect the interior of the vehicle from damage. On a hot day the Cooper Convertible offers an optional remote opening feature, to lower the top from outside. The A5 doesn’t offer a remote top, so the driver will have to run to the car, get in, turn the ignition on and raise the top to prevent the interior from being damaged.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Cooper Convertible first among compact sporty cars in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The A5 isn’t in the top three in its category.