Compare the2025 MINI Cooper ConvertibleVS 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Model Availability

Safety

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The MINI Cooper Convertible has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The MX-5 Miata doesn’t offer knee airbags.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Cooper Convertible offers optional Rear Collision Prevention that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The MX-5 Miata doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The Cooper Convertible offers an optional 360-degree camera to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The MX-5 Miata only offers a rear monitor.

Both the Cooper Convertible and MX-5 Miata offer rear cross-traffic warning, but the Cooper Convertible with Cross Traffic Warning also has Brake Intervention (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The MX-5 Miata’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

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 MX-5 Miata doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Compared to metal, the Cooper Convertible’s plastic fuel tank can withstand harder, more intrusive impacts without leaking; this decreases the possibility of fire. The Mazda MX-5 Miata has a metal gas tank.

Both the Cooper Convertible and the MX-5 Miata have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available lane departure warning systems and blind spot warning systems.

The MINI Cooper Convertible weighs 643 to 829 pounds more than the Mazda MX-5 Miata. The NHTSA advises that heavier cars are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts. Crosswinds also affect lighter cars more.

Warranty

The Cooper Convertible comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The MX-5 Miata’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The Cooper Convertible’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the MX-5 Miata’s (12 vs. 5 years).

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. Mazda doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the MX-5 Miata.

Reliability

The MX-5 Miata’s redline is at 7500 RPM, which causes more engine wear, and a greater chance of a catastrophic engine failure. The Cooper Convertible has a 6000 to 6500 RPM redline.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that MINI vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks MINI above average in initial quality. With 50 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that MINI vehicles are more reliable than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks MINI fourth in reliability, above the industry average. With 11 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is ranked 7th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that MINI vehicles are more reliable than Mazda vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks MINI third in overall reliability. Mazda is ranked 7th.

Engine

The Cooper Convertible’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 33 lbs.-ft. more torque (184 vs. 151) than the MX-5 Miata’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder. The Cooper Convertible S’ standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 20 more horsepower (201 vs. 181) and 70 lbs.-ft. more torque (221 vs. 151) than the MX-5 Miata’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder. The JCW Cooper Convertible’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 47 more horsepower (228 vs. 181) and 129 lbs.-ft. more torque (280 vs. 151) than the MX-5 Miata’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder.

Fuel Economy and Range

Regenerative brakes improve the Cooper Convertible’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The MX-5 Miata doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Cooper Convertible’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The MX-5 Miata doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

Transmission

The MINI Cooper Convertible comes standard with an automatic transmission, for driver comfort, especially in the city. Automatic costs extra on the MX-5 Miata.

A seven-speed automatic (SMG) is standard on the MINI Cooper Convertible, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the MX-5 Miata.

The Cooper Convertible offers a standard sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The MX-5 Miata doesn’t offer an SMG.

The Cooper Convertible’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The MX-5 Miata doesn’t offer launch control.

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Cooper Convertible has larger standard tires than the MX-5 Miata (205/45R17 vs. 195/50R16). The Cooper Convertible’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the MX-5 Miata (215/45R17 vs. 205/45R17).

The Cooper Convertible’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the MX-5 Miata Sport’s standard 50 series tires. The Cooper Convertible’s optional tires have a lower 40 series profile than the MX-5 Miata Club/Grand Touring’s 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Cooper Convertible has standard 17-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the MX-5 Miata Sport. The Cooper Convertible’s optional 18-inch wheels are larger than the 17-inch wheels on the MX-5 Miata Club/Grand Touring.

The MINI Cooper Convertible’s wheels have 5 lugs for longer wheel bearing life, less chance of rotor warping and greater strength. The Mazda MX-5 Miata only has 4 wheel lugs per wheel.

Suspension and Handling

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 MX-5 Miata’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The Cooper Convertible has vehicle speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The MX-5 Miata doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Cooper Convertible’s wheelbase is 7.3 inches longer than on the MX-5 Miata (98.2 inches vs. 90.9 inches).

Passenger Space

The Cooper Convertible has standard seating for 4 passengers; the MX-5 Miata can only carry 2.

Cargo Capacity

The Cooper Convertible has a larger trunk with its top down than the MX-5 Miata (5.2 vs. 4.6 cubic feet).

Servicing Ease

The Cooper Convertible uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The MX-5 Miata uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that MINI service is better than Mazda. J.D. Power ranks MINI fourth in service department satisfaction. With a 23% lower rating, Mazda is ranked 14th.

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the Cooper Convertible, the optional memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position and outside mirror angle. The MX-5 Miata doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Cooper Convertible’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 MX-5 Miata doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Cooper Convertible has a standard heads-up display that projects speed, warning, navigation instruction and driver assistance information readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The MX-5 Miata doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The Cooper Convertible’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The MX-5 Miata has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

The Cooper Convertible’s front power windows open or close with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The MX-5 Miata’s power windows’ switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully.

If the windows are left open on the Cooper Convertible the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the MX-5 Miata can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

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 MX-5 Miata doesn’t offer a remote top, so the driver will have to run to the car, get in, turn the ignition on (with available power top) and raise the top to prevent the interior from being damaged.

The Cooper Convertible’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The MX-5 Miata Sport/Club’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Cooper Convertible to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The MX-5 Miata doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The Cooper Convertible has a standard automatic headlight on/off feature. When the ignition is on, the headlights automatically turn on at dusk and off after dawn. When the ignition turns off, the headlights turn off after a delay timed to allow you to securely get to your front door. The MX-5 Miata has an automatic headlight on/off feature standard only on the Grand Touring.

The Cooper Convertible’s sun-visors swivel front-to-side to block glare from the side windows. The MX-5 Miata’s visors are fixed into the windshield header.

The Cooper Convertible’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Mazda only offers heated mirrors on the MX-5 Miata Grand Touring.

When the Cooper Convertible with available tilt-down mirrors is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The MX-5 Miata’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

Both the MINI Cooper Convertible and Mazda MX-5 Miata offer exterior mirrors that can be folded to provide convenience. The Cooper Convertible features standard power folding mirrors, which allow for easy, one-touch folding or unfolding at the driver’s discretion. This provides added convenience when maneuvering or parking, as well as when walking past the parked vehicle. In comparison, the MX-5 Miata’s foldable mirrors are manual, requiring the driver to get out and physically fold them once parked and unfold them before getting in.

On extremely cold winter days, the Cooper Convertible’s standard heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The MX-5 Miata doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The Cooper Convertible offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the MX-5 Miata.

The Cooper Convertible’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The MX-5 Miata doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the MINI Cooper offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the front center console. The MX-5 Miata doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The Cooper Convertible’s optional Parking Assistant Plus can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Remote Control Parking will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The MX-5 Miata doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Model Availability

The MINI Cooper comes in coupe, convertible and four door hatchback bodystyles; the Mazda MX-5 Miata isn’t available as a coupe or four door.

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