Compare the2024 MINI Cooper SEVS 2024 Porsche Taycan

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 Taycan 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’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Taycan doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the Cooper SE and the Taycan 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 and available front parking sensors.

MINI pays for scheduled maintenance on the Cooper SE for 1 year and 12000 miles longer than Porsche pays for maintenance for the Taycan (3/36,000 vs. 2/24,000).

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that MINI vehicles are more reliable than Porsche vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks MINI third in overall reliability. Porsche is ranked 8th.

For better maneuverability, the Cooper SE’s turning circle is 1.6 feet tighter than the Taycan w/Rear Axle Steering’s (35.1 feet vs. 36.7 feet). The Cooper SE’s turning circle is 4.3 feet tighter than the Taycan Cross Turismo’s (35.1 feet vs. 39.4 feet).

The MINI Cooper SE may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1450 to 2050 pounds less than the Porsche Taycan.

The Cooper SE is 3 feet, 7.7 inches shorter than the Taycan, making the Cooper SE easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces. The Cooper SE is 3 feet, 8.1 inches shorter than the Taycan Cross Turismo.

The Cooper SE is 8.8 inches narrower on average than the Taycan, making the Cooper SE easier to handle and maneuver in traffic.

For excellent aerodynamics, the Cooper SE has standard flush composite headlights. The Taycan has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

The Cooper SE has 2.1 inches more front headroom and .1 inches more rear headroom than the Taycan.

A low lift-over trunk design makes loading and unloading the Cooper SE easier. The Cooper SE’s trunk lift-over height is 26 inches, while the Taycan’s liftover is 27.5 inches.

If the windows are left open on the Cooper SE the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Taycan can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

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 Taycan’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Cooper SE to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Taycan doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

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 Taycan doesn’t offer a secondary sun visor.

The Cooper SE has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the car heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the Taycan.