Compare the2024 MINI Cooper ConvertibleVS 2024 Audi A5

The Cooper Convertible’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 A5 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the Cooper Convertible and the A5 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras and available front parking sensors.

MINI pays for scheduled maintenance on the Cooper Convertible for 3 years and 36,000 miles. MINI will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Audi only pays for the first scheduled maintenance visit on the A5.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Cooper Convertible first among compact sporty cars in their 2023 Initial Quality Study. The A5 isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that MINI vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks MINI above average in initial quality. With 42 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that MINI vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks MINI above average in long-term dependability. With 19 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Audi is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that MINI vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks MINI third in overall reliability. Audi is ranked 19th.

On the EPA test cycle the Cooper Convertible gets better mileage than the A5 Cabriolet:

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the MINI Cooper Convertible higher (7 out of 10) than the Audi A5 (5). This means the Cooper Convertible produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the A5 every 15,000 miles.

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the A5.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the Cooper Convertible can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The A5 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The Cooper Convertible 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 A5’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For better maneuverability, the Cooper Convertible’s turning circle is 2.3 feet tighter than the A5’s (35.4 feet vs. 37.7 feet).

The MINI Cooper Convertible may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 800 to 900 pounds less than the Audi A5.

The Cooper Convertible is 2 feet, 8.7 inches shorter than the A5, making the Cooper Convertible easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that MINI service is better than Audi. J.D. Power ranks MINI fourth in service department satisfaction. With an 8% lower rating, Audi is ranked 8th.

If the windows are left open on the Cooper Convertible 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 A5 can’t use the remote to operate the windows.

In case of a sudden change of weather, the Cooper Convertible has a standard remote convertible top that can be raised from a distance to protect the interior of the vehicle from damage. On a hot day the Cooper Convertible has a standard remote opening feature, to lower the top from outside. The A5 doesn’t offer a remote top, so the driver will have to run to the car, get in, turn the ignition on and raise the top to prevent the interior from being damaged.

The Cooper Convertible’s standard Comfort Access allow you to unlock the doors from either outside door handle, open the trunk, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Keyless Engine Start/Stop standard on the A5 only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the car.

Insurance will cost less for the Cooper Convertible owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Cooper Convertible will cost $2035 to $6875 less than the A5 over a five-year period.

The Cooper Convertible will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Cooper Convertible will retain 51.95% to 55.02% of its original price after five years, while the A5 only retains 47.82% to 49.46%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the MINI Cooper Convertible will be $20119 to $25666 less than for the Audi A5.

Consumer Reports® recommends the MINI Cooper Convertible, based on reliability, safety and performance.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Cooper Convertible first among compact sporty cars in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The A5 isn’t in the top three in its category.