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by Jacqueline Briner on 21.03.25 15:40
The Mini brand is not just about a car; it represents a lifestyle – sporty, charming, and unmistakable. Within the Mini lineup, there are two models that are often compared: the Mini Cooper and the Mini Cooper Cabrio. Both have their own unique character and offer a one-of-a-kind driving experience. But which model suits you better? In this blog post, we take a closer look at the differences and similarities between the two vehicles.
1. Design and Styling
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Mini Cooper:
The classic Mini Cooper is the epitome of compactness and sporty charm. With its distinctive, sturdy body and round headlights, it retains the design of the original while being modernized. The short overhangs and wide stance give it an aggressive posture.
Mini Cooper Cabrio:
The Mini Cooper Cabrio shares many design features with the regular Mini, but there is one major difference: the folding fabric roof. The Cabrio offers an open driving experience, which is particularly tempting on warm days. With its elegant, rounded design, it’s the perfect mix of sporty and luxurious. The classic Mini design elements like the round headlights and distinctive rear are still there, but the Cabrio stands out with its airy, open structure.
2. Driving Experience
Mini Cooper:
The Mini Cooper has earned a reputation as a driving fun machine. With its compact size and sporty suspension, every corner feels like an adventure. Despite its small size, it’s far from insignificant – the Mini offers an agile driving feel and direct steering that makes for great handling.
Mini Cooper Cabrio:
The Cabrio model offers similar driving behavior to the Mini Cooper, but the experience is even more intense with the roof open. The wind in your hair, the feeling of freedom, and the sun on your skin make every ride a special moment. However, driving with the roof open can make the handling slightly less stable, as the body needs to be stiffer to support the roof. Still, the Mini Cooper Cabrio remains a sporty car that’s fun to drive.
3. Comfort and Features
Mini Cooper:
In the Mini Cooper, it’s all about driving fun, but comfort is not overlooked. The interior is stylish and well-crafted, with modern technology such as an infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Mini is a compact car, meaning that space inside can feel a bit cramped for taller passengers. The trunk isn’t huge either, but it’s adequate for everyday needs.
Mini Cooper Cabrio:
The Cabrio model offers a similar interior to the Mini Cooper, but with the added benefit of a roof that can be opened to enhance the driving experience. One advantage of the Cabrio is that the rear seats often offer more space, although not significantly. The trunk of the Cabrio is slightly smaller than that of the Mini Cooper due to the space needed for the roof mechanism. However, the Cabrio offers the convenience of an electrically operated roof, which can be opened or closed in under 20 seconds.
4. Performance and Engine Options
Mini Cooper:
The Mini Cooper typically comes with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that delivers around 136 horsepower. This engine provides impressive acceleration for such a compact car. There are also more powerful variants like the Mini Cooper S with 192 horsepower, but even the base Cooper offers a dynamic driving experience.
Mini Cooper Cabrio:
The Mini Cooper Cabrio offers the same engine options as the Mini Cooper. The base version with the 136-horsepower 1.5-liter engine provides similarly quick acceleration as the regular Mini Cooper. However, the Cabrio model can also be equipped with a more powerful engine, such as the Mini Cooper S, which delivers 192 horsepower. In both versions, the Cabrio offers an agile and sporty driving experience, with the added bonus of being able to open the roof.
5. Conclusion: Which Model is Right for You?
The decision between a Mini Cooper and a Mini Cooper Cabrio primarily depends on your driving style and preferences. If you’re looking for a sporty, agile car with classic Mini design and a practical, enclosed roof, the Mini Cooper is likely the better choice.
However, if you’re after the driving fun and unique experience of a convertible – the wind in your hair and the feeling of freedom – then the Mini Cooper Cabrio will steal your heart. Both models offer exceptional performance and an unmistakable charm, but the Cabrio adds the extra appeal of open-air driving.
No matter which model you choose, one thing is certain: The Mini always delivers driving pleasure and will never go out of style!
Mini Cooper Cabrio
500 KM / Month | CHF 3'000 Deductible
per month
Mini Cooper 5DR S
500 KM / Month | CHF 3'000 Deductible
per month