Compare the2023 MINI Cooper SEVS 2023 Tesla Model S

The Cooper SE 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 Model S 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 SE has standard Assist eCall, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to remotely unlock your doors if you lock your keys in or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The Model S doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the Cooper SE and the Model S 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, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors and available front parking sensors.

MINI pays for scheduled maintenance on the Cooper SE for 3 years and 36,000 miles. MINI will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Tesla doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Model S.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that MINI vehicles are better in initial quality than Tesla vehicles. J.D. Power ranks MINI above average in initial quality. With 58 more problems per 100 vehicles, Tesla is rated below average.

On the EPA test cycle the Cooper SE gets better mileage than the Model S Plaid 21" Wheels (119 city/100 hwy vs. 102 city/99 hwy MPGe).

For better maneuverability, the Cooper SE’s turning circle is 5.2 feet tighter than the Model S’ (35.1 feet vs. 40.3 feet).

The MINI Cooper SE may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1400 to 1600 pounds less than the Tesla Model S.

The Cooper SE is 3 feet, 10 inches shorter than the Model S, making the Cooper SE easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Cooper SE is 10.2 inches narrower than the Model S, making the Cooper SE easier to handle and maneuver in traffic.

A Service Interval Indicator is standard on the Cooper SE to save the owner time and money by calculating maintenance intervals for vehicle inspection and based on actual driving conditions. This takes the guesswork out of keeping your vehicle in top condition and helps it last longer. Tesla doesn’t offer a maintenance reminder on the Model S.

The Cooper SE’s entire steering wheel hub sounds the horn, facilitating hitting the horn in an emergency. The Model S has a small, single button on the steering wheel spoke that can be hard to find quickly in an emergency.

The Cooper SE offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Model S doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The Cooper SE’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Model S’ cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Cooper SE has a standard rear wiper. The Model S doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

The Cooper SE’s standard side window demisters help clear frost or condensation from the side windows in the winter. The Model S doesn’t even offer side window demisters, so the driver may have to wipe the windows from the outside to gain side vision.

To better shield the driver’s vision, the Cooper SE has a standard dual-element sun visor that can block glare from two directions simultaneously. The Model S doesn’t offer a secondary sun visor.

To shield the driver’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side window, the Cooper SE has a standard extendable sun visor. The Model S doesn’t offer extendable visors.

Insurance will cost less for the Cooper SE owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Cooper SE will cost $10095 to $13740 less than the Model S over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the MINI Cooper SE will be $60161 to $102289 less than for the Tesla Model S.