Performance
Both the Cooper and the New Beetle are likely to feel a tad slow because of their high horsepower-to-weight ratio.
Handling
The Volkswagen has quite a bit wider tires than the MINI. Remember that bigger tires can look and feel better, while narrower tires can provide better handling in deep snow.
With their comparable turning radiuses, the Cooper and the Volkswagen New Beetle most definitely handle about the same into and out of tight spots.
Drivetrain
The MINI Cooper's engine is substantially smaller than the Volkswagen New Beetle's. Note that a smaller engine usually has to work a little harder; however, smaller engines typically get better gas mileage.
The MINI could learn a lesson or two from the New Beetle regarding pickup.
Utility
The MINI Cooper is likely a better choice than the Volkswagen New Beetle regarding hauling capacity, especially if you often need to carry a lot of equipment or large pets.
Neither the MINI Cooper nor the New Beetle has a marked advantage regarding seating capacity.
Convenience
You'll indubitably take the Volkswagen New Beetle for a fill-up roughly as often as the MINI Cooper.
The Volkswagen's fuel tank will need to be replenished a little more often than the unit in the Cooper.
Comfort
Taller drivers will considerably enjoy the extra head room in the Volkswagen New Beetle's front cabin compared to the MINI.
The Volkswagen New Beetle provides more head- and leg-room to your passengers than the MINI Cooper does.
Dimensions
Both the Cooper and the New Beetle are likely to feel slightly sluggish because of their high horsepower-to-weight ratio.
The MINI Cooper's tank is approximately the same size as the New Beetle's, though the Volkswagen's is somewhat larger.
The MINI and the Volkswagen New Beetle compete for the same parking spaces.
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 MINI Cooper to the dealership as the Volkswagen.
The Volkswagen New Beetle won't tax your gas budget significantly more than the MINI Cooper will.
Producing an accurate fuel economy evaluation is so difficult that some think not even the federal government can do it, but it looks as though the MINI Cooper is the winner in terms of gas mileage.
The Cooper isn't much more expensive than the Volkswagen as far as MSRP.
Overview
The Volkswagen and the MINI Cooper have the same basic after-sale protection.
