Compare the2022 Dodge ChallengerVS 2021 MINI John Cooper Works GP

The Challenger has standard Active Head Restraints, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Head Restraints system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The John Cooper Works GP doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The Challenger (except Redeye/Super Stock/Manual) offers an optional collision warning system, which detects an impending crash through forward mounted sensors and flashes a bright light and sounds a loud, distinctive tone to warn the driver to brake or maneuver immediately to avoid a collision. The system also pre-charges the brakes to begin deceleration more quickly. The John Cooper Works GP doesn't offer a collision warning system.

The Challenger offers all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The John Cooper Works GP doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

The Challenger’s optional blind spot warning system uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. The John Cooper Works GP doesn’t offer a system to reveal objects in the driver’s blind spots.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Challenger’s optional cross-path warning system uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The John Cooper Works GP doesn’t offer a cross-path warning system.

Both the Challenger and the John Cooper Works GP have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras and available rear parking sensors.

The Dodge Challenger weighs 986 to 1626 pounds more than the MINI John Cooper Works GP. The NHTSA advises that heavier cars are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts. Crosswinds also affect lighter cars more.

Dodge’s powertrain warranty covers the Challenger 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than MINI covers the John Cooper Works GP. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the John Cooper Works GP ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are almost 21 times as many Dodge dealers as there are MINI dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Challenger’s warranty.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the Challenger has a standard 160-amp alternator (180-amp - Challenger optional and 220 392/Hellcat). The John Cooper Works GP’s 150-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

The battery on the Challenger is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the Challenger’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The John Cooper Works GP’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Dodge vehicles are better in initial quality than MINI vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Dodge second in initial quality, above the industry average. With 12 more problems per 100 vehicles, MINI is ranked 10th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Dodge vehicles are more reliable than MINI vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Dodge 13 places higher in reliability than MINI.

The Challenger R/T automatic’s standard 5.7 V8 produces 71 more horsepower (372 vs. 301) and 69 lbs.-ft. more torque (400 vs. 331) than the John Cooper Works GP’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The Challenger R/T manual’s standard 5.7 V8 produces 74 more horsepower (375 vs. 301) and 79 lbs.-ft. more torque (410 vs. 331) than the John Cooper Works GP’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The Challenger R/T Scat Pack’s standard 6.4 V8 produces 184 more horsepower (485 vs. 301) and 144 lbs.-ft. more torque (475 vs. 331) than the John Cooper Works GP’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The Challenger SRT Super Stock’s standard 6.2 supercharged V8 produces 506 more horsepower (807 vs. 301) and 376 lbs.-ft. more torque (707 vs. 331) than the John Cooper Works GP’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the Challenger SRT Hellcat 6.2 supercharged V8 is faster than the MINI John Cooper Works GP (automatics tested):

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Challenger 5.7/6.4 V8 Auto’s fuel efficiency. The John Cooper Works GP doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The Challenger has 6.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the John Cooper Works GP (18.5 vs. 11.6 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Challenger offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The John Cooper Works GP doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

All wheel drive, available in the Challenger, provides the best traction for acceleration in wet, dry, and icy conditions. In corners, all wheel drive allows both outside wheels to provide power, balancing the car. This allows for better handling. The MINI John Cooper Works GP is not available with all wheel drive.

For better stopping power the Challenger Hellcat/Redeye’s brake rotors are larger than those on the John Cooper Works GP:

The Challenger R/T/GT’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the John Cooper Works GP are solid, not vented.

The Challenger stops shorter than the John Cooper Works GP:

For better traction, the Challenger has larger standard tires than the John Cooper Works GP (235/55R18 vs. 225/35R18). The Challenger SRT Super Stock’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the John Cooper Works GP (315/40R18 vs. 225/35R18).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Challenger offers optional 20-inch wheels. The John Cooper Works GP’s largest wheels are only 18-inches.

The Challenger has a standard space-saver spare (not available on R/T Scat Pack/Hellcat/Super Stock) so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the John Cooper Works GP; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

The Challenger 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 John Cooper Works GP’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Challenger’s wheelbase is 17.8 inches longer than on the John Cooper Works GP (116 inches vs. 98.2 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Challenger is 4.4 inches wider in the front and 5 inches wider in the rear than the track on the John Cooper Works GP.

The Challenger’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (52% to 48%) than the John Cooper Works GP’s (66% to 34%). This gives the Challenger more stable handling and braking.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the Challenger Scat Pack is quieter than the John Cooper Works GP:

The Challenger has standard seating for 5 passengers; the John Cooper Works GP can only carry 2.

The Challenger has 44.7 cubic feet more passenger volume than the John Cooper Works GP (93.7 vs. 49).

The Challenger has .6 inches more front legroom, 1.9 inches more front hip room and 7.9 inches more front shoulder room than the John Cooper Works GP.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Challenger. The John Cooper Works GP doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The Challenger has a 1000 lbs. towing capacity. The John Cooper Works GP has no towing capacity.

The engine in the Challenger is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the John Cooper Works GP. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

The Challenger Automatic offers a remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The John Cooper Works GP doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

When two different drivers share the Challenger, the optional memory system makes it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position, steering wheel position, outside mirror angle and radio stations. The John Cooper Works GP doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Challenger’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The John Cooper Works GP John Cooper Works does not have a temperature gauge.

Keyless Enter-N-Go standard on the Challenger allows you to unlock the driver’s door, trunk and start the engine all without removing a key from pocket or purse. This eliminates searching for keys before loading groceries, getting in the vehicle in bad weather or making a hurried start to your trip. The MINI John Cooper Works GP’s Start/Stop Switch doesn’t unlock the doors or the trunk.

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors available for the Challenger detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The John Cooper Works GP doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the Challenger keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The John Cooper Works GP doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the Challenger’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The John Cooper Works GP doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the Challenger (except Redeye/Super Stock/Manual) offers an optional Adaptive Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The John Cooper Works GP doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Dodge Challenger, based on reliability, safety and performance.