MINI Cooper Convertible vs Mazda MX-5
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.
MINI Cooper Convertible
From $51,990
Convertible
Petrol
Petrol Turbo
120kW
6.6 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
215L
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
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Price Breakdown
The MINI Cooper Convertible starts from $51,990 before on-road costs, while the Mazda MX-5 opens at $41,520. That makes the Mazda MX-5 the more affordable entry point by $10,470.
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 $57,189 and $45,672 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 MINI Cooper Convertible features a 9.4-inch touchscreen, while the Mazda MX-5 gets a 8.8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The MINI Cooper Convertible stands out with Apple CarPlay and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Mazda MX-5. The Mazda MX-5 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the MINI Cooper Convertible gets synthetic leather / cloth upholstery while the Mazda MX-5 offers black cloth with synthetic suede. Climate control is 2-zone in the MINI Cooper Convertible and 1-zone in the Mazda MX-5.
Drivetrain
The MINI Cooper Convertible uses a Petrol Turbo producing 120kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 seconds.
The Mazda MX-5 responds with a 2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (Skyactiv-G) making 135kW and 205Nm, paired to a 6-speed manual (skyactiv-mt) driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds.
The Mazda MX-5 has the clear power advantage at 135kW vs 120kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mazda MX-5 is 1.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The MINI Cooper Convertible measures 3,879mm long on a 2,495mm wheelbase, 36mm shorter than the Mazda MX-5 at 3,915mm (2,310mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MINI Cooper Convertible generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 215L in the MINI Cooper Convertible and 130L in the Mazda MX-5, giving the MINI Cooper Convertible a 85L advantage. The MINI Cooper Convertible seats 4 vs 2.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m to 11.1m
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 9.4m 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 $1,881/year for the MINI Cooper Convertible and $1,938/year for the Mazda MX-5. That is a $57 annual difference in favour of the MINI Cooper Convertible.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (MINI Cooper Convertible) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda MX-5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MINI Cooper Convertible if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer MINI's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda MX-5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Mazda'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 Convertible will save you roughly $57 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the MINI Cooper Convertible 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, MINI Cooper Convertible and Mazda MX-5?
The Mazda MX-5 is the cheapest at $41,520 before on-road costs. That undercuts the MINI Cooper Convertible by $10,470.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The MINI Cooper Convertible uses the least fuel at 6.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of MINI Cooper Convertible and Mazda MX-5 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 Convertible has the largest boot at 215L.
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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