Compare the2023 Mazda MX-5 MiataVS 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible

The MX-5 Miata’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 Cooper Convertible 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 MX-5 Miata’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 Cooper Convertible doesn’t offer a cross-path warning system.

Both the MX-5 Miata and the Cooper Convertible have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact 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, lane departure warning systems and rearview cameras.

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

There are over 5 times as many Mazda dealers as there are MINI dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the MX-5 Miata’s warranty.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than MINI vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Mazda first in overall reliability. MINI is ranked 23rd.

The MX-5 Miata’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 47 more horsepower (181 vs. 134) than the Cooper Convertible’s standard 1.5 turbo 3-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the Mazda MX-5 Miata is faster than the Cooper Convertible S 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder (manual transmissions tested):

On the EPA test cycle the MX-5 Miata gets better mileage than the Cooper Convertible:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Mazda MX-5 Miata uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The Cooper Convertible requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The MX-5 Miata stops shorter than the Cooper Convertible:

For better traction, the MX-5 Miata has larger standard tires than the Cooper Convertible (195/50R16 vs. 175/65R15).

The MX-5 Miata Sport’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Cooper Convertible’s standard 65 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the MX-5 Miata Sport has standard 16-inch wheels. Smaller 15-inch wheels are standard on the Cooper Convertible.

The MX-5 Miata’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (51% to 49%) than the Cooper Convertible’s (61.9% to 38.1%). This gives the MX-5 Miata more stable handling and braking.

The MX-5 Miata Club handles at .95 G’s, while the Cooper Convertible pulls only .84 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the MX-5 Miata’s turning circle is 4.6 feet tighter than the Cooper Convertible’s (30.8 feet vs. 35.4 feet).

The Mazda MX-5 Miata may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 550 to 650 pounds less than the MINI Cooper Convertible.

The MX-5 Miata is 7.1 inches shorter in height than the Cooper Convertible, making the MX-5 Miata much easier to wash and garage and drive (lower center of gravity).

The MX-5 Miata's optional power retractable hardtop allows a seamless transition from an open car, to a completely sealed coupe. The Cooper Convertible doesn’t offer a retractable hardtop.

The engine in the MX-5 Miata is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Cooper Convertible. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

The MX-5 Miata’s standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children from operating them. MINI does not offer a locking feature on the Cooper Convertible’s standard power windows.

The Cooper Convertible’s optional cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The MX-5 Miata Grand Touring’s standard adaptive cornering lights turn the actual headlight unit up to several degrees, depending on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This lights a significant distance into corners at any speed.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Mazda MX-5 Miata, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The MX-5 Miata was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 16 of the last 31 years. The Cooper Convertible has never been a Car and Driver “Top Ten” pick.

The MX-5 Miata was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” for 8 of the last 28 years. The Cooper Convertible has never been an “All Star.”