MINI Cooper vs. Volkswagen New Beetle Review

Cost
As far as fuel economy, the MINI Cooper bests the New Beetle. As far as fuel economy, the MINI Cooper has the Volkswagen New Beetle beat. As far as MSRP, the MINI doesn't cost much less than the New Beetle. The Cooper will save you a bundle at the pump every year compared to the Volkswagen New Beetle. The Volkswagen New Beetle will cost you a lots_of_money in gasoline every year compared to the MINI Cooper.

Utility
Neither the MINI Cooper nor the Volkswagen New Beetle has a marked advantage in terms of seating capacity. There's no clear winner between the Cooper and the Volkswagen New Beetle in terms of transporting cargo.

Convenience
The Volkswagen New Beetle's fuel tank will need to be replenished more often than the unit in the MINI Cooper.

Comfort
While the front cabin in the MINI Cooper offers a bit more head room than the Volkswagen New Beetle, there really isn't much of a difference. The ampler interior dimensions of the Volkswagen New Beetle make it more spacious for your passengers than the MINI Cooper.

Dimensions
The MINI Cooper's tank is about the same size as the Volkswagen New Beetle's, though the Volkswagen New Beetle's is somewhat bigger. The MINI and the New Beetle compete for the same parking spaces.

Performance
In terms of horsepower, the Volkswagen packs quite a wallop and will knock the Cooper down a few rungs. On the other hand, remember that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums.

Handling
With their similar turning circles, the MINI Cooper and the Volkswagen New Beetle definitely handle roughly the same into and out of tight spots.

Drivetrain
The New Beetle has a bigger engine than the MINI. Bear in mind that smaller engines typically get better gas mileage, but smaller engines can be stressed more. Torque is roughly equivalent to acceleration, and in this respect, the Volkswagen New Beetle is significantly more powerful than the MINI Cooper.

Warranty
The basic after-sale protection that comes with the Volkswagen New Beetle isn't quite as generous as the MINI Cooper's.