Compare the2022 MINI Cooper ConvertibleVS 2021 BMW 2 Series

The Cooper Convertible has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The 2 Series doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Both the Cooper Convertible and the 2 Series 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, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors and available front parking sensors.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Cooper Convertible first among compact sporty cars in their 2020 Initial Quality Study. The 2 Series was rated second 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 BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks MINI 16th in initial quality. With 2 more problems per 100 vehicles, BMW is ranked 18th.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the MINI Cooper Convertible higher (5 to 7 out of 10) than the BMW 2 Series (3 to 7). This means the Cooper Convertible produces up to 24.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the 2 Series every 15,000 miles.

The Cooper Convertible offers an optional sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The 2 Series doesn’t offer an SMG.

To help the driver achieve optimum performance and fuel economy, the Cooper Convertible has a standard up-shift light to indicate when to shift based on power needs and conditions. The 2 Series doesn’t offer an up-shift light.

The Cooper Convertible has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Cooper Convertible flat and controlled during cornering. The 2 Series’ suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

For better maneuverability, the Cooper Convertible’s turning circle is .4 feet tighter than the 2 Series’ (35.4 feet vs. 35.8 feet). The Cooper Convertible’s turning circle is 1.7 feet tighter than the 2 Series xDrive’s (35.4 feet vs. 37.1 feet).

The MINI Cooper Convertible may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 500 to 850 pounds less than the BMW 2 Series.

The Cooper Convertible is 1 foot, 10.5 inches shorter than the 230i, making the Cooper Convertible easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Cooper Convertible’s standard folding rear seats are split to accommodate bulky cargo. The 2 Series Convertible’s standard single piece folding rear seat is not as flexible; long cargo and a passenger can’t share the rear seat.

The Cooper Convertible offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The 2 Series doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The MINI Cooper comes in coupe, convertible and four door hatchback bodystyles; the BMW 2 Series isn’t available as a four door.

Insurance will cost less for the Cooper Convertible owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Cooper Convertible will cost $205 to $5060 less than the 2 Series over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the MINI Cooper Convertible will be $8021 to $19037 less than for the BMW 2 Series.