2013 MINI Cooper vs. Its Competition

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Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

Nelson Ireson

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Nelson is a Senior Editor at High Gear Media focusing on reviewing cars and covering the hottest topics in luxury and performance cars, car culture... More

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Dec 7, 2012

The MINI Cooper lineup still manages to carve out its own corner of the market, but it's no longer alone in offering such a high-style small-car package.

The recently redesigned Volkswagen Beetle has taken a step toward the sporty side, and it delivers on that image with the Beetle Turbo.

Another serious contender is the Fiat 500, and while we like its looks its steering feel and somewhat uncomfortable seating position are detracting factors--as much fun as the top Abarth model is.

The Ford Fiesta is a more mass-market rival to the MINI Cooper, in base form, and the Mazda2 fits a lot of driving fun into a small, affordable package.

Those who are thinking of a Cooper S, or a Roadster, might want to take the Mazda MX-5 Miata for a drive; it remains an excellent alternative and a true sports car, with less weight and a balanced rear-wheel-drive platform.

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Quick Specs
Meta Rating
8 The 2013 MINI Cooper models are small-car standouts in style and driving fun, and with several body styles and three different levels of performance you can pick your level of potency and practicality.	7.6 Small cars don't need to be bland--the 2013 Ford Fiesta proves that with a saucy look and pert handling.	7.2 If you want a light and lean open-top sports car that's fun at legal speeds, the 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata is it--and it's reasonably practical.	7 The 2013 Mazda2 stands out among entry-level hatchbacks due to its zippy driving feel and good real-world mileage--although the limited feature set and basic appointments won't appeal to everyone.	8 The 2013 Beetle Turbo and TDI rightfully stir some excitement, especially with new convertible variants offered, but the base model's still a bit boring.
MSRP From
$19,700	$13,200	$23,720	$14,720	$19,995
Gas Mileage
26 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy	29 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy	21 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy	28 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy	21 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I5
EPA Class
Minicompact	Subcompact	Two Seater	Compact Cars	Subcompact car
Style Name
2dr Coupe	4dr Sedan S	2dr Convertible Man Sport	4dr HB Man Sport	2dr Man 2.5L
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
4	5	2	5	4
Passenger Doors
N/A	4	N/A	4	2
Body Style
Hatchback	Sedan	Convertible	Hatchback	Coupe
Transmission
Manual	Manual	Manual	Manual	Manual