Utility
The MINI Cooper is a better choice than the Mazda MX-5 Miata in terms of transporting cargo, especially if you often need to carry a lot of stuff or massive dogs.
The MINI will indubitably prove more convenient than the Mazda MX-5 Miata for those of you with frequent kid-cargo.
Performance
With respect to horsepower, the MX-5 Miata packs quite a punch and will knock the Cooper down a few rungs. On the flip side, remember that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums.
The MINI Cooper is likely to feel somewhat sluggish because of its high horsepower-to-weight ratio compared to the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Dimensions
The Cooper is likely to feel slightly slow because of its high horsepower-to-weight ratio compared to the Mazda.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata's tank is about the same size as the Cooper's, though the MINI Cooper's is a little more capacious.
The MINI Cooper and the MX-5 Miata compete for the same parking spaces.
Convenience
The Mazda MX-5 Miata's fuel tank will need to be replenished more often than the unit in the MINI Cooper.
You'll quite certainly have to take the Mazda MX-5 Miata for a fill-up more often than the MINI Cooper because of its tank size and gas mileage.
Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs roughly the same to get the Cooper to the dealership as the MX-5 Miata.
With respect to gas mileage, the MINI Cooper is slightly better than the Mazda MX-5 Miata, but not by much.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata isn't much costlier than the MINI Cooper regarding MSRP.
With respect to final price, the MINI costs quite a bit more than the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Handling
With its front-wheel drive layout, the MINI Cooper likely has better traction in rain, snow or ice than the Mazda MX-5 Miata; on the flip side, the Mazda MX-5 Miata's rear-wheel drive layout likely provides better weight distribution.
Really small tires, like the ones on the Cooper, could improve gas mileage but can also provide poor traction.
With its tighter turning radius, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is definitely more maneuverable than the MINI, something to consider if you do a lot of city driving; on the other hand, keep in mind that a vehicle with a tight turning circle may feel a bit twitchy on the highway.
Drivetrain
The MINI Cooper's engine is substantially smaller than the MX-5 Miata's. Remember that smaller engines can be stressed more; however, smaller engines are often cheaper to fix.
Torque equals pickup, and the Mazda MX-5 Miata will have picked up and gone by the time the MINI Cooper finally gets moving.
Comfort
Taller drivers will quite a bit enjoy the extra head room in the MINI Cooper's front cabin compared to the MX-5 Miata.
Overview
The basic warranty that comes with the Mazda MX-5 Miata isn't quite as generous as the MINI Cooper's.
