Compare the2022 Ford MustangVS 2021 MINI John Cooper Works GP

The Mustang has standard Pre-Collision Assist, which use forward mounted sensors to warn the driver of a possible collision ahead. If the driver doesn’t react and the system determines a collision is imminent, it automatically applies the brakes at full-force in order to reduce the force of the crash or avoid it altogether. The John Cooper Works GP doesn't offer collision warning or crash mitigation brakes.

The Mustang’s lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. The John Cooper Works GP doesn’t offer a lane departure warning system.

The Mustang’s 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 Mustang’s standard rear 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 Mustang and the John Cooper Works GP have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras and available rear parking sensors.

The Ford Mustang weighs 636 to 1077 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.

Ford’s powertrain warranty covers the Mustang 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 26 times as many Ford dealers as there are MINI dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Mustang’s warranty.

The Mustang has a standard “limp home system” to keep drivers from being stranded if most or all of the engine’s coolant is lost. The engine will run on only half of its cylinders at a time, reduce its power and light a warning lamp on the dashboard so the driver can get to a service station for repairs. The John Cooper Works GP doesn’t offer a lost coolant limp home mode, so a coolant leak could strand you or seriously damage the car’s engine.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Ford vehicles are more reliable than MINI vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Ford 1 place higher in reliability than MINI.

The Mustang’s standard 2.3 turbo 4-cylinder produces 9 more horsepower (310 vs. 301) and 19 lbs.-ft. more torque (350 vs. 331) than the John Cooper Works GP’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The Mustang’s optional 2.3 turbo 4-cylinder produces 29 more horsepower (330 vs. 301) and 19 lbs.-ft. more torque (350 vs. 331) than the John Cooper Works GP’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The Mustang GT’s standard 5.0 DOHC V8 produces 149 more horsepower (450 vs. 301) and 89 lbs.-ft. more torque (420 vs. 331) than the John Cooper Works GP’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The Mustang Mach 1’s standard 5.0 DOHC V8 produces 169 more horsepower (470 vs. 301) and 79 lbs.-ft. more torque (410 vs. 331) than the John Cooper Works GP’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

The Mustang EcoBoost’s standard fuel tank has 3.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the John Cooper Works GP (15.5 vs. 11.6 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Mustang GT/Mach 1’s standard fuel tank has 4.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the John Cooper Works GP (16 vs. 11.6 gallons).

The Mustang has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The John Cooper Works GP doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

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

A 10-speed automatic is available on the Ford Mustang, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the John Cooper Works GP.

For better stopping power the Mustang V8 PP/Mach 1’s brake rotors are larger than those on the John Cooper Works GP:

The Mustang’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 Mustang stops much shorter than the John Cooper Works GP:

For better traction, the Mustang has larger standard tires than the John Cooper Works GP (235/55R17 vs. 225/35R18). The Mustang Mach 1’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the John Cooper Works GP (F:305/30R19 & R:315/30R19 vs. 225/35R18).

The Mustang Mach 1’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 30 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the John Cooper Works GP’s 35 series tires.

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

The Mustang has a standard space-saver spare (not available on Handling Package/H.O. Package) 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 Mustang 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 Mustang’s wheelbase is 8.9 inches longer than on the John Cooper Works GP (107.1 inches vs. 98.2 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Mustang is 2.5 inches wider in the front and 5.7 inches wider in the rear than on the John Cooper Works GP.

The Mustang GT Fastback handles at 1.13 G’s, while the John Cooper Works GP pulls only .98 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The front grille of the Mustang (except Performance Pack) uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The John Cooper Works GP doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Mustang Convertible uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The John Cooper Works GP doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the Mustang GT Fastback is quieter than the John Cooper Works GP:

The Mustang has standard seating for 4 passengers; the John Cooper Works GP can only carry 2.

The Mustang Fastback has 33.8 cubic feet more passenger volume than the John Cooper Works GP (82.8 vs. 49).

The Mustang Fastback has 3.7 inches more front legroom, 1.5 inches more front hip room and 5.7 inches more front shoulder room than the John Cooper Works GP.

A standard locking glovebox and optional locking center console keeps your small valuables safer in the Mustang. The John Cooper Works GP doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

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

The engine in the Mustang 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 Mustang Auto has a standard 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 three different drivers share the Mustang Premium/Mach 1, the optional memory system makes it convenient for all three. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position, suspension setting, power steering assist and outside mirror angle. The John Cooper Works GP doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Mustang Premium/Mach 1’s optional easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The John Cooper Works GP doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Mustang’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.

Intelligent Access standard on the Mustang 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 standard on the Mustang 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.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the Mustang Premium/Mach 1 Deluxe 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 Mustang Premium/Mach 1’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 Mustang 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.

The Ford Mustang comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the MINI John Cooper Works GP isn’t available as a convertible.

The Mustang GT/Bullitt was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” in 2019. The John Cooper Works GP has never been a Car and Driver “Top Ten” pick.