Compare the2022 MINI Cooper ConvertibleVS 2021 BMW Z4

The Cooper Convertible has standard tall side airbags which act as a forgiving barrier between the driver and front passenger's upper bodies and the window and pillars. Combined with high-strength steel door beams and lower side airbags this system increases head protection in broadside collisions. The Z4 doesn't offer side airbag protection for the head.

The Cooper Convertible’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the Z4.

Both the Cooper Convertible and the Z4 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, 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 Z4 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 BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks MINI 16th in initial quality. With 2 more problems per 100 vehicles, BMW is ranked 18th.

The Cooper Convertible offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The Z4 doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

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 Z4 doesn’t offer an SMG.

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 Z4 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

For better maneuverability, the Cooper Convertible’s turning circle is .6 feet tighter than the Z4’s (35.4 feet vs. 36 feet).

The MINI Cooper Convertible may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 300 to 400 pounds less than the BMW Z4.

The Cooper Convertible is 1 foot, 6.5 inches shorter than the Z4, making the Cooper Convertible easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Cooper Convertible is 5.4 inches narrower than the Z4, making the Cooper Convertible easier to handle and maneuver in traffic.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the Cooper Convertible is quieter than the Z4 sDrive30i:

The Cooper Convertible has standard seating for 4 passengers; the Z4 can only carry 2.

The Cooper Convertible has 24 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Z4 (76 vs. 52).

The Cooper Convertible’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Z4’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them fully.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Cooper Convertible to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Z4 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The MINI Cooper comes in coupe, convertible and four door hatchback bodystyles; the BMW Z4 isn’t available as a coupe or 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 $1190 to $3985 less than the Z4 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 $18780 to $26176 less than for the BMW Z4.

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 Z4 isn’t in the top three.