MINI Cooper Roadster vs. Volkswagen Beetle
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the MINI Cooper Roadster and Volkswagen Beetle 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 MINI Cooper Roadster and the Volkswagen Beetle.
In comparing the MINI Cooper Roadster's and the Volkswagen Beetle's specifications and ratings, the MINI Cooper Roadster has the advantage in the area of fuel efficiency. The Volkswagen Beetle has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the MINI Cooper Roadster's and the Volkswagen Beetle's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Beetle is a better car than the MINI Cooper Roadster.
Pricing: A used 2012 MINI Cooper Roadster ranges from $6,870 to $16,490 while a used 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is priced between $5,995 to $14,000.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the MINI Cooper Roadster’s base engine makes 121 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Beetle base engine makes 170 horsepower. The Cooper Roadster is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 462 miles. The Beetle is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 450 miles. This gives the MINI Cooper Roadster the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Volkswagen Beetle. Both models use gasoline.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
24350
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
N/A
Category Starting MSRP Range:
N/A
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
18995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
17789
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
15200 - 33990
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
11349
Price Range:
6870 - 16490
Category Avg Price:
N/A
Category Avg Price Range:
N/A
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
6
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
79035
# Good or Great Deals:
3
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
9702
Price Range:
5995 - 14000
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
8006
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
5862 - 14497
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
89
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
100930
# Good or Great Deals:
14
MINI Cooper Roadster Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
Volkswagen Beetle Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for MINI Cooper Roadster
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 Volkswagen Beetle
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:
1.036081650511405
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
7.410392505411417
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
4.7
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
0.9 - 8.0
MINI Cooper Roadster Rankings
Not yet available
Volkswagen Beetle Rankings
Available Body Styles
Convertible
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
MINI Cooper Roadster Trim Levels
Base, John Cooper Works, S
Volkswagen Beetle Trim Levels
2.5L, 2.5L PZEV, Base, Base PZEV, Black Turbo, Black Turbo PZEV, Turbo, Turbo PZEV, White Turbo, White Turbo PZEV
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
121 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
114 foot-lbs @ 4250 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.046 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
170 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque:
177 foot-lbs @ 4250 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.058 hp per pound
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):
27 / 35 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
356 / 462 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
5
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 31 / 25
Range (city/hwy):
319 / 450 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Voice Recognition:
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
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
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
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Bluetooth:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
Available
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
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
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:
39.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
50.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
Not yet available
Rear Leg Room:
Not yet available
Rear Shoulder Room:
Not yet available
Cargo Space:
8.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
31.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
49 inches
Cargo Space:
15.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
100.5 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2635 lbs
Width:
75.3 inches
Height:
54.5 inches
Length:
146.8 inches
Wheelbase:
97.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2939 lbs
Width:
71.2 inches
Height:
58.5 inches
Length:
168.4 inches
Wheelbase:
99.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
195/55R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P215/55R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Lightning Blue Metallic / Reef Blue Metallic
Gray
Eclipse Gray Metallic
Green
British Racing Green II Metallic
Orange
Spice Orange Metallic
Red
Chili Red
Silver
White Silver Metallic
White
Pepper White
Brown
Not available
Yellow
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Uni
Blue
Denim Blue
Gray
Platinum Gray Metallic
Green
Not available
Orange
Not available
Red
Tornado Red
Silver
Moonrock Silver Metallic / Reflex Silver Metallic
White
Candy White
Brown
Toffee Brown Metallic
Yellow
Saturn Yellow
Interior Colors
Beige
Polar Beige
Black
Carbon Black / Carbon Black/Beige
Brown
Toffee Lounge Leather / Toffee/Carbon Black
Gray
MINI Yours Soda Satellite Gray / Satellite Gray
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Titan Black
Brown
Not available
Gray
Not available
