Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. MINI Cooper
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mazda MX-5 Miata and MINI Cooper 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 Cooper.
When we compare the Mazda MX-5 Miata's and the MINI Cooper's specifications and ratings, the Mazda MX-5 Miata has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The MINI Cooper has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the Mazda MX-5 Miata's and the MINI Cooper's specifications and ratings, the MINI Cooper is a better car than the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Pricing: A used 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata ranges from $8,945 to $19,009 while a used 2011 MINI Cooper is priced between $6,510 to $14,815.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Mazda MX-5 Miata’s base engine makes 167 horsepower, and the MINI Cooper base engine makes 121 horsepower. The MX-5 Miata is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 356 miles. The Cooper is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 462 miles. This gives the MINI Cooper the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Both models use gasoline.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$23,110
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Sports Cars)
$27,378
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Sports Cars)
$22,145 - $38,200
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$24,850
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
N/A
Category Starting MSRP Range:
N/A
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$14,687
Price Range:
$8,945 - $19,009
Category Avg Price:
(Sports Cars)
$16,339
Category Avg Price Range:
(Sports Cars)
$14,201 - $19,498
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
23
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
75,870
# Good or Great Deals:
9
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$9,974
Price Range:
$6,510 - $14,815
Category Avg Price:
N/A
Category Avg Price Range:
N/A
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
64
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
101,215
# Good or Great Deals:
23
Mazda MX-5 Miata Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
8.0 / 10
Retained Value:
8.4 / 10
Safety:
Not available
MINI Cooper Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mazda MX-5 Miata
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for MINI Cooper
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
1.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
1.2 - 4.7
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.7
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Mazda MX-5 Miata Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 9Ranking
1 out of / 9Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 15Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 15Ranking
3 out of / 9Ranking
4 out of / 9Ranking
4 out of / 9Ranking
5 out of / 15Ranking
5 out of / 14Ranking
5 out of / 9Ranking
7 out of / 9Ranking
9 out of / 15Ranking
10 out of / 15Ranking
11 out of / 15Ranking
13 out of / 15MINI Cooper Rankings
Available Body Styles
Convertible
Available Body Styles
Convertible, Hatchback
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Mazda MX-5 Miata Trim Levels
Grand Touring, Special Edition, Sport, Touring
MINI Cooper Trim Levels
Base, John Cooper Works, S
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:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
167 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque:
140 foot-lbs @ 5000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.067 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
121 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
114 foot-lbs @ 4250 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.044 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):
22 / 28 / 25
Range (city/hwy):
279 / 356 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.6 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
28 / 35 / 31
Range (city/hwy):
370 / 462 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Entry:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
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
Navigation System:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bench Seats:
Standard
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
Navigation System:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
Available
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
53.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
Not yet available
Rear Leg Room:
Not yet available
Rear Shoulder Room:
Not yet available
Cargo Space:
5.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
50.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
28.1 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
39.2 inches
Cargo Space:
6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
74.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2480 lbs
Width:
67.7 inches
Height:
49 inches
Length:
157.3 inches
Wheelbase:
91.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.6 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2745 lbs
Width:
75.3 inches
Height:
55.4 inches
Length:
145.6 inches
Wheelbase:
97.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P205/50R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
195/55R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Brilliant Black Clearcoat
Blue
Stormy Blue Mica
Red
Copper Red Mica / True Red
Silver
Liquid Silver Metallic
Beige
Not available
Brown
Not available
Green
Not available
Orange
Not available
White
Not available
Yellow
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Horizon Blue Metallic / Ice Blue / Laser Blue Metallic
Red
Chili Red
Silver
Pure Silver Metallic / Velvet Silver Metallic / White Silver Metallic
Beige
Sparkling Silver Metallic
Brown
Hot Chocolate Metallic
Green
British Racing Green II Metallic
Orange
Spice Orange Metallic
White
Pepper White
Yellow
Interchange Yellow
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Beige
Not available
Blue
Not available
Brown
Not available
Gray
Not available
Red
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Carbon Black Checkered Cloth / Carbon Black Leatherette / Carbon Black Lounge Leather / Carbon Black Punch Leather
Beige
Polar Beige Gravity Leather
Blue
Ice Blue Leather Cross Check / Carbon Black Cloth
Brown
Hot Chocolate Lounge Leather
Gray
Satellite Gray Lounge Leather
Red
Rooster Red Leather / Carbon Black Cloth
