Mazda MX-5 vs MINI Cooper
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Mazda MX-5
From $41,520
Convertible
Petrol
2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (Skyactiv-G)
135kW
6.8 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
130L
MINI Cooper
From $41,990
Hatchback
Petrol
Petrol Turbo
115kW
6.2 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
210L
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Price Breakdown
The Mazda MX-5 starts from $41,520 before on-road costs, while the MINI Cooper opens at $41,990. That makes the Mazda MX-5 the more affordable entry point by $470.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $45,672 and $46,189 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda MX-5 features a 8.8-inch touchscreen, while the MINI Cooper gets a 9.4-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The MINI Cooper counters with head-up display, wireless charging and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mazda MX-5 gets black cloth with synthetic suede upholstery while the MINI Cooper offers synthetic leather / cloth. Climate control is 1-zone in the Mazda MX-5 and 2-zone in the MINI Cooper.
Drivetrain
The Mazda MX-5 uses a 2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (Skyactiv-G) producing 135kW and 205Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual (skyactiv-mt) to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.5 seconds.
The MINI Cooper responds with a Petrol Turbo making 115kW and 230Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds.
The Mazda MX-5 has the clear power advantage at 135kW vs 115kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mazda MX-5 is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda MX-5 measures 3,915mm long on a 2,310mm wheelbase, 39mm longer than the MINI Cooper at 3,876mm (2,495mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MINI Cooper generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 130L in the Mazda MX-5 and 210L in the MINI Cooper, giving the MINI Cooper a 80L advantage. The MINI Cooper seats 4 vs 2.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m to 10.7m
Based on 9.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,938/year for the Mazda MX-5 and $1,767/year for the MINI Cooper. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the MINI Cooper.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda MX-5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (MINI Cooper). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda MX-5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MINI Cooper if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer MINI's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda MX-5 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The MINI Cooper will save you roughly $171 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the MINI Cooper has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mazda MX-5 and MINI Cooper?
The Mazda MX-5 is the cheapest at $41,520 before on-road costs. That undercuts the MINI Cooper by $470.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The MINI Cooper uses the least fuel at 6.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Mazda MX-5 and MINI Cooper carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The MINI Cooper has the largest boot at 210L.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda MX-5 makes the most power at 135kW. The Mazda MX-5 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.5s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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