Compare the2022 MINI Cooper ConvertibleVS 2021 Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet

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 C-Class Cabriolet 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.

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 C-Class Cabriolet.

Both the Cooper Convertible and the C-Class Cabriolet have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors and available front parking sensors.

The Cooper Convertible’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the C-Class Cabriolet’s (12 vs. 5 years).

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. Mercedes doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the C-Class Cabriolet.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Cooper Convertible first among compact sporty cars in their 2020 Initial Quality Study. The C-Class Cabriolet 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 Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks MINI 16th in initial quality. With 28 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 30th.

On the EPA test cycle the Cooper Convertible gets better mileage than the C-Class Cabriolet:

Regenerative brakes improve the Cooper Convertible’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The C-Class Cabriolet doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The Cooper Convertible offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The C-Class Cabriolet 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 C-Class Cabriolet doesn’t offer an SMG.

The Cooper Convertible Auto’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The C-Class Cabriolet doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the John Cooper Works Convertible’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the C-Class Cabriolet:

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 C-Class Cabriolet’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For better maneuverability, the Cooper Convertible’s turning circle is 1.4 feet tighter than the C 300 Cabriolet’s (35.4 feet vs. 36.8 feet).

The MINI Cooper Convertible may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 850 to 1000 pounds less than the Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet.

The Cooper Convertible is 2 feet, 8.3 inches shorter than the C-Class Cabriolet, making the Cooper Convertible easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Cooper Convertible has 1 inch more front headroom and 3.4 inches more rear headroom than the C-Class Cabriolet.

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 C-Class Cabriolet doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

Insurance will cost less for the Cooper Convertible owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Cooper Convertible will cost $5370 to $6810 less than the C-Class Cabriolet over a five-year period.

The Cooper Convertible will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Cooper Convertible will retain 46.67% to 52.5% of its original price after five years, while the C-Class Cabriolet only retains 38.12% to 38.61%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the MINI Cooper Convertible will be $28248 to $33379 less than for the Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet.