Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. MINI Convertible
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mazda MX-5 Miata and MINI Convertible contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Mazda MX-5 Miata and the MINI Convertible.
When comparing the Mazda MX-5 Miata's and the MINI Convertible's specifications and ratings, the Mazda MX-5 Miata has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Mazda MX-5 Miata's and the MINI Convertible's specifications and ratings, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is a better car than the MINI Convertible.
Pricing: A used 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata ranges from $28,131 to $38,700 while a used 2026 MINI Convertible is priced between $38,825 to $45,925. For a new model, the Mazda MX-5 Miata's price is between $31,130 and $39,871, with the MINI Convertible priced between $41,475 and $51,694.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mazda MX-5 Miata loses 36.3 percent of its value and the MINI Convertible loses 41.1 percent of its value. This means the Mazda MX-5 Miata retains 4.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the MINI Convertible.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mazda MX-5 Miata is 8.8 out of 10 while the MINI Convertible's quality rating is 8.3 out of 10. This results in the Mazda MX-5 Miata being ranked 1 out of 6 Best Convertibles and the MINI Convertible being ranked 2 out of 6.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mazda MX-5 Miata is 8.9 out of 10. For the MINI Convertible the reliability rating is 8.1 out of 10. This gives the Mazda MX-5 Miata a slight advantage in reliability compared to the MINI Convertible.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Mazda MX-5 Miata’s base engine makes 181 horsepower, and the MINI Convertible base engine makes 161 horsepower.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
31130 - 39871
Starting MSRP:
29830
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Sports Cars)
35186
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Sports Cars)
29830 - 42970
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
41475 - 51694
Starting MSRP:
34600
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Subcompact Cars)
32050
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
29500 - 34600
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
33746
Price Range:
28131 - 38700
Category Avg Price:
(Sports Cars)
40382
Category Avg Price Range:
(Sports Cars)
33746 - 50310
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
43700
Price Range:
38825 - 45925
Category Avg Price:
(Subcompact Cars)
41179
Category Avg Price Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
38658 - 43700
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
10922
Depreciation %:
0.3661385
Resale Value $:
18908
Residual Value %:
0.6338615000000001
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Sports Cars)
0.33757779
Category Depreciation Range:
(Sports Cars)
0.24794219 - 0.47768027
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
14373
Depreciation %:
0.41539576
Resale Value $:
20227
Residual Value %:
0.58460424
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Subcompact Cars)
0.39164562
Category Depreciation Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
0.38194918 - 0.41539576
Mazda MX-5 Miata Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.8 / 10
Reliability:
8.9 / 10
Retained Value:
8.7 / 10
Safety:
Not available
MINI Convertible Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
8.4 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mazda MX-5 Miata
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
24.6
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Sports Cars)
15.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Sports Cars)
9.4 - 24.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.131
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for MINI Convertible
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
15.5
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Subcompact Cars)
13.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
11.7 - 15.5
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.004
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.703241207488077
Typical Category Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
4.0
Category Range for Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
1.6 - 5.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Mazda MX-5 Miata Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 9Ranking
1 out of / 9Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
8 out of / 14Ranking
9 out of / 14Ranking
9 out of / 14Ranking
12 out of / 14MINI Convertible Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 6Available Body Styles
Convertible
Available Body Styles
Convertible
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Mazda MX-5 Miata Trim Levels
35th Anniversary Edition, Club, Grand Touring, Sport
MINI Convertible Trim Levels
Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper S Signature Trim, Cooper Signature Trim, John Cooper Works, John Cooper Works Signature Trim
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
181 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque:
151 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.077 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
161 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
184 foot-lbs @ 1520 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 34 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
309 / 405 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bench Seats:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Available
Bench Seats:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
52.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
Not yet available
Rear Leg Room:
Not yet available
Rear Shoulder Room:
Not yet available
Cargo Space:
4.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
51.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
39 inches
Rear Leg Room:
30.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
40 inches
Cargo Space:
5.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
77.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2366 lbs
Width:
68.3 inches
Height:
48.6 inches
Length:
154.1 inches
Wheelbase:
90.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.9 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3139 lbs
Width:
77.6 inches
Height:
56.3 inches
Length:
152.8 inches
Wheelbase:
98.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.9 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P195/50R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
215/45R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Jet Black Mica
Red
Soul Red Crystal Metallic
Blue
Not available
Green
Not available
Silver
Not available
White
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black II Metallic
Red
Chili Red II
Blue
Icy Sunshine Blue Metallic
Green
British Racing Green IV Metallic
Silver
Melting Silver III Metallic
White
Nanuq White Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Beige
Not available
Blue
Not available
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black/Blue
Beige
Beige
Blue
Nightshade Blue
Gray
Grey/Blue
