If you’re in the market for a small, sporty car, you might be weighing the options between the 2023 Mazda Miata and the Mini Cooper. When it comes down to it, there’s only one reason to choose the Miata over the Cooper. This article will explore the key differences between these two popular cars and explain why the Miata stands out as the clear winner in one crucial area.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear-wheel drive

Regarding performance, the 2023 Mazda Miata and the 2023 Mini Cooper are both impressive in their ways. However, the Miata is the better sports car experience due to its rear-wheel-drive configuration. This setup allows for better weight distribution, improved handling, and a more engaging driving experience. In addition, the Miata’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 181 horsepower. Combining that with 151 lb-ft of torque provides plenty of power for a car of its size.

In contrast, the Mini Cooper has a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that produces 134 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. While the Cooper’s engine is undoubtedly peppy, it doesn’t quite match the Miata’s power output. Additionally, the Mini Cooper is only available with front-wheel drive. The FF layout can be fun, but it does not compare to the rear-wheel drive driveability of the Miata.

How much will the new Mazda Miata cost?

When it comes to trim, and pricing, the 2023 Mazda Miata and the 2023 Cooper offer a range of options. The Miata comes in three trim levels: Sport, Club, and Grand Touring. The Sport starts at $29,115 and has features like 16-inch alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, and a six-speed manual transmission. The Club trim adds more performance-oriented features like Bilstein shocks. It also adds a limited-slip differential, and sport-tuned suspension, with a starting price of $33,210. Finally, the Grand Touring trim adds more luxury-oriented features like heated leather seats, a Bose audio system, and adaptive headlights, starting at $34,115.

The Mini Cooper comes in two trim levels: Cooper and Cooper S. The Cooper starts at $24,395 and has features like 15-inch alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, and a six-speed manual transmission. The Cooper S adds more performance-oriented features like a turbocharged engine. It also adds a sport-tuned suspension, and 17-inch alloy wheels, with a starting price of $27,895. The Miata is generally more expensive due to its more focused sports car experience.

The Mini has a better interior

In terms of interior features, both cars offer a range of options to keep drivers connected on the road. The 2023 Mazda Miata comes with a 7-inch infotainment display, with features like Bluetooth, a six-speaker audio system, and an HD radio. Higher trims add features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a navigation system, and a Bose audio system. The interior of the Miata is focused on simplicity and functionality, with comfortable and supportive seats for a driver-centric layout.

The Mini Cooper has a larger 8.8-inch infotainment display, with features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims add a Harman Kardon audio system, a panoramic sunroof, and heated front seats. The interior of the Cooper is generally more playful and quirky, with a range of color options and unique design touches. Overall, both cars offer a range of technology and interior features to suit different preferences, but the Cooper offers more playful and quirky options.

Is the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata worth it?

In conclusion, while the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata and the Mini Cooper are great options for small, sporty cars, the Miata stands out as the clear winner for one reason: its rear-wheel-drive configuration. This setup provides a more engaging and performance-oriented driving experience unmatched by the front-wheel-drive Cooper. In addition, while the Mini Cooper offers a more playful and quirky interior and slightly lower pricing, the Miata offers a focused sports car experience. Ultimately, it comes down to what you prioritize in a car, but for those who value performance and driving experience above all else, the Mazda Miata is the way to go.