Mazda MX-5 vs MINI Cooper Convertible
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Convertibles 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 $31,990
Convertible
Petrol
1.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (SKYACTIV-G)
96kW
6.1 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
130L
MINI Cooper Convertible
From $51,990
Convertible
Petrol
Petrol Turbo
120kW
6.6 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
215L
Mazda MX-5: we're still completing seat count, 0-100km/h and braked towing.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
Track the Mazda MX-5 & MINI Cooper Convertible
Get price-drop alerts on these models plus our free weekly new-car rundown. Unsubscribe anytime.
Price Breakdown
The Mazda MX-5 starts from $31,990 before on-road costs, while the MINI Cooper Convertible opens at $51,990. That makes the Mazda MX-5 the more affordable entry point by $20,000.
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 $35,189 and $57,189 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
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The MINI Cooper Convertible counters with Apple CarPlay and ambient lighting that the Mazda MX-5 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mazda MX-5 uses a 1.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (SKYACTIV-G) producing 96kW and 150Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual (skyactiv-mt) to a RWD layout.
The MINI Cooper Convertible responds with a Petrol Turbo making 120kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.
The MINI Cooper Convertible has the clear power advantage at 120kW vs 96kW. 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, 36mm longer than the MINI Cooper Convertible at 3,879mm (2,495mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MINI Cooper Convertible generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 130L in the Mazda MX-5 and 215L in the MINI Cooper Convertible, giving the MINI Cooper Convertible a 85L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m to 11.1m
Based on 9.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.1m 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 $1,739/year for the Mazda MX-5 and $1,881/year for the MINI Cooper Convertible. That is a $142 annual difference in favour of the Mazda MX-5.
Estimated annual total: $1,739 (Mazda MX-5) vs $1,881 (MINI Cooper Convertible). The Mazda MX-5 saves you roughly $142 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years (Mazda MX-5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (MINI Cooper Convertible). The MINI Cooper Convertible has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda MX-5 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MINI Cooper Convertible if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer MINI's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The MINI Cooper Convertible takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Mazda MX-5 will save you roughly $142 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the MINI Cooper Convertible has a clear edge. The MINI Cooper Convertible adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. 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 Convertible?
The Mazda MX-5 is the cheapest at $31,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the MINI Cooper Convertible by $20,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda MX-5 uses the least fuel at 6.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda MX-5 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The MINI Cooper Convertible has the largest boot at 215L.
Which has the best warranty?
The MINI Cooper Convertible has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The MINI Cooper Convertible makes the most power at 120kW.
Track the cars you're comparing
Get price-drop and spec-change alerts on the models in this comparison, plus our weekly new-car rundown of launches, deals and reviews.
- Price-drop alerts on these models
- Spec-change alerts
- Weekly new-car rundown
No spam, unsubscribe anytime. By subscribing you agree to receive marketing emails.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
