2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2013 MINI Roadster Cooper S

Despite the MINI Roadster being the latest in a long line of two-seater sports cars from the land of the Redcoats, when it comes to the key qualities of style, fun and value, it's obvious that the Japanese make a superior British roadster, even to the British.
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[@82raptor]

Proud owner of a 01 MX-5. My trips to the grocery store tend to be extended because I just do not want to park this thing!

[@mygoogleemail2063]

The Miata guy convinced me to get the MINI.

[@robinrea4747]

I own both! I have the first generation Miata - a 97 M Edition with 230k miles and bought a 2013 Mini Roadster (not an S version) brand new. The Miata is a stick and the Mini is autotrans. I commute nearly every day in stop and go traffic for at least an hour one way. I'm not the tallest person and it's work to drive the Miata. It's not work to drive the Mini. The Miata has been my daily driver for years. I love the pop up headlights, the simplicity of virtually no electronics, it's nearly 20 years old. And other Miata drivers are really friendly, plus it has the best horn sound out there. I didn't want to buy another car, but knew I didn't want the low slung, manual tranny Miata that I had as a daily driver. You're literally 6-8 inches from seating on the pavement. The Mini answered both those requirements. Convertibles are all I've owned. The Mini is definitely more practical for daily driving, the storage in the trunk is amazing! You can put a dead body AND a suitcase with room to spare - there's even speakers in the truck and a 12v plug. I love both!

[@OOICU812]

Dead body, eh? 🤔

[@hawkrider88]

What about that dead body smell....easy to remove?

[@chris14091975]

i love that this youtube channel puts a big emphasis on simple and fun to drive.

[@georgereynolds4072]

Excellent, creative and fun comparison! Both of you did a great job! Go Miata!!

[@Khronicks]

Are you really praising a sports car for it's storage space??

[@kc2zxl]

"The best British Roaster is Japanese.." that's awesome!

[@jamieott5122]

I learned my lesson with mini. It was a classic money pit. Yes, it was a fun car that has some real pickup. Being able to turn tight roads at highspeeds was fun, but i did spend almost six thousand to fix it, only for it to keep breaking down. I have an mx5 and I love it. I always wanted one, ever since I was a kid. I should have gone with miata from the beginning. I didnt have turbo, but just basic mini. Mx5 seems faster than regular mini. I might test drive turbo one day, but will never buy one again. Everything just went to hell at 110k miles. First it was water pump, then it was fan house, then it was a alternator belt,then it was fuel pump, another fan house, and an axle, then it was a blown motor, then it was transmission. Just one thing after another in 6 months. Lol... I drove it home after motor was replaced, and it broke down the very next day, lol.

[@jamieott5122]

Oh, but i gotta agree, and im amazed. Miata really is better. Yes, mini really is just like driving a big go cart. Miata is a car, and it drives like one. Also, its more comfortable for long trips. I cant believe I didnt try miata before buying a mini.

[@toddramos722]

Bro, you and me both. Reading your post is like reading my own life. Don't get me wrong, I love the Mini. It was spacious and practical for my needs, loved the torque and the exhaust notes. But at 89k the car evolved into a lemon. Transmission gears blown, ABS speed sensor failed (twice), motor mount leak (twice), timing chain belt, leaking thermostat, fried brake/clutch fluid, hydraulic fluid leak from front shocks, constant engine overheating, and the car ate the rear tires because of the negative camber. The worst part is that the air conditioning wasn't strong enough for the Texas heat especially with the large double sunroof UGH!! I was tired of it, so I bought an Accord because it was sensible. I got bored quick. So I got crazy again and traded in a perfectly good Accord for a Miata, and wow! no regrets here. It's nice to have fun without the anxiety of something going wrong. It's so easy to work on, I have 110k and I think I can get another 100k easily. It's the only car I have and I drive about 120miles daily. I love the retractable roof. When I first drove my mini I thought the fun handling was second to none, but now I know it's second to the MX-5. Live and learn I guess, but the Miata is a better car. Period.

[@vgamedude12]

"FWD is better" We are talking about sports cars? What the fuck?

[@JuanPerez-ql6jw]

great review!

[@MrFact01]

why do you guys never talk about consumption, emissions, service cost, parts availability, engine failures and ease of repairs. this is what buyers want to know about

[@wolfgangwolfgang5180]

Lwazi Sijaji honestly, I can"t See why they should. If people were interested would there be a single SUV on the road?

[@BBFazer]

So don't buy a minnie!!!!

[@zippyzipster4746]

I got my 2011 mini s fully loaded only a year and a half old with 45000 miles for $15,000 . Who buys a car new? Idiots do. There not expensive

[@jamieott5122]

I dont buy new, either! Lol. Also, I only drive manual. Agreed, unless youre wealthy and can afford to throw around cash, and there is nothing wrong with that, buying a brand new car isnt always worth it.

[@TheFreshPeddler]

Well, most should not buy a mini new as they sink like a rock. Ive honestly seen some cars to be better deals new at times. That said, if nobody buys a new mini, you don't buy a used one.

[@Delivermedrinks]

Why did you compare a base M-X5 to a top of the range Mini Roadster?

[@OOICU812]

Great point.

[@julianhawkins9423]

Probably that’s all they had to compare

[@Modmaann]

Not top of the line 🤣 It's just the s version still can go up the chain to the jcw roadster

[@maximusminimus1346]

mx 5 reliable and cheap as hell to maintain - far more enjoyable to drive- mini coopers a fucking nightmare in repair costs and have major reliability issues

[@DonaldJPump24]

I've had my mini 2 jcw since 2006 and I have only had one problem with the power steering pump. 223 hp and 236 ft/lbs of torque with Megan 3' headers and mf cat back exauhst, 6 speed manual. I will and have beaten any miata in a straight line lol and think miatas look like every other Mazda out there

[@FXloaphy]

+Travis Mobley yah and cost $10+k more.... you can't compare minis top performance car to an na miata in a straight line. that isn't what miatas are about. but I guarentee you'd still lose with your 70 more horsepower if you were on a windy mountain road.... Lmao

[@thimble288]

Travis Mobley I wouldn't be surprised if the Cooper S in this video is actually just as much "fun" as the NC MX-5

[@cypeq7316]

+FXloaphy sorry but i'm affraid miata would win in straight and on track with cooper

[@demonsaint1296]

@@DonaldJPump24 and years later…. The MX-5 is still running strong and your imaginary mini cooper is on Craigslist not running for $750 obo.

[@TheBisMan1]

over a decade ago? more like over 2 decades ago...

[@unknownstudd69]

more like 2.5 decades ago

[@noaidie]

Now 3 decades

[@noaidie]

Now 3

[@ScubaMeerkat]

The ironic thing is, the Mini isn't a true British roadster. It's heavy, FWD, ugly. Need I go on?

[@sethjones5250]

AMEN!

[@courier007]

well, as a Miata owner, I've got my bases covered here, but I will point out that the Mini has always been front wheel drive, and the original Mini was an extraordinary car. The Cooper and Cooper S variants blew the doors off competition on the track and the rally circuits. For the time, it was also as reliable as almost anything on the road. Anyway, I'm more than happy with the rear wheel drive on the Miata and I'll stay with the horse I rode in on

[@Khronicks]

The mini looks like a pug. The Miata looks like Mila Kunis.

[@PremierAutoMan86]

Miata reviewer stalled at the end ROFL!!! Don't think i've ever seen that in a professional review LoL great job though love this channel

[@walt350z]

I really liked the soft top race in the end.

[@CHBeck0514]

Let's face it guys, other than having drop tops and two seats the Mini Roadster and the Miata simply are NOT in the same class. I actually love the Mini Roadster because it's a fresh twist on a fun to drive niche car. The Miata instead has the same stale appearance that hasn't changed much since it was introduced. The bottom line is some people just like Minis - it's a car that will always have a following! Want a real sports car? Buy a Porsche or even a Ferrari!

[@MasonGelosotech]

The MX5 is the purist sports car you can get. Stop ripping on the original. Get out of here MINI, stick to your Cooper S's

[@DonaldJPump24]

Mini has been around waaaay before the miata lol

[@MasonGelosotech]

Did I say original sports car? No.

[@rowdyrick7091]

JCW is better

[@fkporsche1]

I had driven both cars for a few days. When I took my Porsche Gt3RS for service. The rental car gave me a choice of both cars. I like the MX-5 more than the mini. MX-5 handle light and agile. Remind me of the classic MG

[@DiogoReis]

A base mx5 with a almost full extras mini. You should hear the bose Soundsystem from the more equiped version for example...

[@braddarnell2498]

Two of my favorite cars.

[@douglashouda8688]

My vote is also Miata over this mini. Its just so much more balanced and with that gearbox and handling.. puts a smile on your face all the time! Bring on the MX-5 GT and it wins with even more conviction.

[@TheGusi123]

How are you going to compare a base MX-5 with what looks to be like a middle-higher trim well equipped Mini.

[@branot89]

MX-5 looks better because it's lower and wider. Mini looks like a bathtub with wheels. Plus, fuck the FWD roadster!

[@YourRentonCarGuy]

LOL! Nice touch at the end - the best British Roadster; is JAPANESE! haha great fun video guys!

[@liquidgenesis01]

Driving at the forks!! I used to bomb up and down that road in the middle of the night back in the day, when I was a stupid teenager.

[@kc2zxl]

My brother just picked up the Cooper S Roadster and seriously, the interior had way too much going on. Driving is refined though, but I like the clear interior yet the timeless Miata.

[@sonnycool1471]

as mazda roadster (Na) and mini cooper S owner, i don't find mini is catch up with miata interm of fun and driving fun with out hurt your pocket ..... for me miata win all the way ... forget to mention, mini seat bracket is cost usd 800 and it just 3 year old .....

[@madjak30]

Nice competition format!! Love it. VW GTI vs Mazda SPEED3...sensible pocket rockets... Later.

[@canto_v12]

The MX-5 is a sports car. The Mini is a sporty hatch. A very sporty hatch, in fact, but still not a sports car.

[@kicksoffs]

Next time use two white guys.

[@raazs35]

+kicksoffs why. that guy was good

[@Towert7]

This comparison is so screwed up its not even funny. I'd take the miata any day of the week, and I did.

[@julianhawkins9423]

I have owned both and I definitely prefer the MX-5 - it’s close but for me I want another Mazda

[@MrAmirr76]

MINI ROCKS

[@edgardoamado7008]

Cool ending

[@DESX312]

If you like driving get a Mini. A Mini Cooper S is the only car under $30,000 that was even listed on Car and Tracks Slalom results. It ran it in 69.4 seconds. It was listed ahead of the Ferrari California; Camaro SS; and the Benz SL63 AMG. The Mini Cooper S has higher HP; higher torque; and higher power to weight ratio overall. It has a faster 0-60 time. Not sure why anyone would pick the Miata as a better driving car over the Mini. It is worse in nearly every area.

[@mikeb9569]

It's not about speed. It's about DRIVING.

[@Wildbillcooper]

Currently selling my 08 Cooper S after just getting a bone stock NA Miata. Mini is an absolutely joy to drive but the N14 has been completely unreliable. Hoping the Miata will be just as enjoyable. Getting the car in a week or so. Edit: 4 months later. Got my Miata and got a few stock plus handling mods, easily more fun, better handling, and more fun than my old Mini.

[@peterkim1999]

My brother recently bought the Cooper S Roaster. I felt that it was somewhat cluttered and you could tell that Cooper just wants to be unique. But definitely, there were just too much distraction. Maybe it looks cool if you like people looking at you -- maybe people that cares more about what people think of them are better suited for the Cooper. But I think overall, Miata's a better buy if you just like driving and not care about what people think of you.

[@mayanalien]

Why would you compare a base model with a non base. Blatantly biased right off the bat

[@jgk0904]

Miata drivers, drive on mountain road to have fun. Mini drivers, drive to the mall to have fun.

[@teirvin]

jgk0904 LOL this one got me.

[@japaneserandomarmwrestling2294]

Laughable comment here ! Never driven a Miata obviously...

[@rowdyrick7091]

Dumbest thing I've read bro why lie. Mx-5 are for hella short people I tried getting in one and couldn't fit with the seat all the way back and down and I'm only 6'4.. and my in Mini Cooper I fit with extra head room. This is on my momma to mx-5 are for lil men.

[@royhale7283]

Just wait ten years and see witch on is still running. I have a 92 miata all original has 80,000 miles It was a used car 27 years old. So I changed the timing belt and water pump front seals and tensioner's parts were $45.

[@zepptar]

Great.....only thing is who wants to be seen in a 92 Miata. It’s like being seen in a 92 Geo storm.

[@verygood7155]

As far as driving experience I much prefer this MINI but the Miata seats feel better to me.

[@rositarubio786]

If you want to have REAL fun on a windy road the Miata is the only way to go. They're not built to carry stuff like a pickup, they're made to kick.... I was with my boyfriend on a windy road when he took on a 911. He hung onto the Porsche's tail until the guy lost it in a curve. We went around him while he was sliding sideways, FUN STUFF!!!

[@DESX312]

You're right I was confusing Road and Track with Car and Track....Car and track is a real thing btw. It was an old television show that tested cars......google it. Regardless my points still stand.

[@AudiophilMD]

So the MX-5 is slower, with a poorer fit and finish, and this makes it better? I would rather have the British sports car (R59) on track day and as a daily driver.

[@Nickoboss29]

The one in the video is a base model + you can't really compare RWD to FWD

[@sebastienh78]

All I heard in this video is opinions!. Guys, when you do a faceoff, bring on some numbers, compare both cars accelaration, braking, cornering etc.. And maybe a few Hotlaps. After you can give your opinion on wich car you like best because it's not all about numbers but for me watching this I would like to have a battle not just talking

[@rccrazer]

the mini roadster! * Que slideshow!*

[@arranwhite5343]

why on earth is this even a test?

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

why not?

[@JoLoneyMusic]

I might sound stupid for asking this. But is there a difference between a Miata and MX5? Or is it like a skyline and G35? Just American and Japanese names?

[@sethjones5250]

***** Same reason why the Nissan Fairlady Z had its name changed to 240z etc.

[@ZacharySound]

Miata wins in my book.

[@babygamer405]

In other words depend on your taste, each car has it's pros and cons, so there you go.

[@marshknute]

If it is 7 years old or more, then you're right. The Cooper S has been turbocharged since 2007. lol, the iPhone didn't even exist when the last supercharged MINI left the factory.

[@rascalendeavor]

I love the Roadster!

[@jbrenofficial]

Lol the Miata might be a lot lighter but the MINI weighs 2750 lbs which, for a roadster, is really light.

[@BestJinjo]

Miata FTW! Modify it a bit and it'll cream the Mini on a track. Also, the Mini convertible is more girly to me. The Miata's weight and handling is like a mini go cart. Can't wait to see the next generation Miata.

[@delunamendivil]

@MrKazuya14 Totally true.

[@felozai]

Mazda is a sports car that is made for driving enthusiasts, Mini on the other hand is for fashion freaks that like to be seen.

[@vasekvi]

over a decade ago? the miata was introduced over 20 years ago!

[@Runoratsu]

@ all that laugh about him stalling the Miata at the end: I don't find it *that* surprising. When I first got my MX-5, it happened to me too, a few times. There's just quite a fine balance between stalling it (low torque below 4k!) and launching it like a hoon in my experience, it's all in a few millimeters of pedal travel in 1st gear. Kinda strange throttle mapping for that gear, too. So if you're used to other cars, don't like to let the clutch slip like crazy and don't know the car that well yet, I can see it happen even to pretty experienced drivers. Granted, I hadn't driven more than a handful of times the last seven or eight years before I bought mine (but about 2k miles since I got it 6 weeks ago x) ).

[@jogabonito8989]

Interesting, I had the exact same experience as you did. I agree with everything you said. Buying an MX5 after only driving manual cars a handful of times in a decade, I struggled with the clutch initially. I just don't like the thought of letting the clutch slip and wear which like you said made it harder for me to get used to. Plus, the low sitting position also made enough difference to the feeling when pressing the pedals. You either let clutch slip for a prolonged period to build up speed slowly, or press hard on the throttle. I guess Mazda built this car for the latter, as the joy comes from revving the engine high. It just makes it awkward to drive in slow traffic that's all. I absolutely love the car btw, I hope you're enjoying yours as much too!

[@Runoratsu]

@Gazza: Oh, I definitely do! Every morning and afternoon, on my commute over winding country roads in the swabian jura. Especially now that we finally got some good weather here after weeks and weeks of rain, so I can finally drive it open!

[@buildmorefarms1007]

Cant compare FWD to RWD, there is no comparison...

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

Of course you can compare.

[@delboy2596]

FWD transverse engine against a RWD in-line. How can they compare?

[@Lenoch_]

"Sheer driving pleasure," ironic you quote BMW, the maker and owner of Mini, when describing the Miata.

[@DESX312]

*Edit: I meant the Mini ran it at an average speed of 69.4 mph haha.

[@peterkim1999]

Eh, my brother just bought that Mini and as the reviewer said, it's has too much going on. Yes, after about 15K miles or so when the novelty wears out, better car is the one you're going to enjoy driving. Also, something about a RWD car with 50/50 weight distribution. Yes, I had a sedan like that, it was called a 1992 BMW 318i -- a pure blast to drive. Only thing lacking was it could have used about 30+ more H.P. and it would have been perfect. You can't compare FWD to RWD, really...

[@ChrisHornberger]

"... the rear spoiler in the back..." Well, where else would it be....?

[@alexsiul1142]

ya, i love mazdaspeed 3 too but they are comparing convertible. speed3 doesn't even have a moon roof@forkliftninjaz

[@BionicMerlin]

Unless the MINI is considerably worse and the MX-5 is considerably better than my experience in 2003 when I bought my MINI, there is no comparison. The MINI hatch was clearly a better driver than the Mazda. Hands-down. One fellow I talked to at the Dragon told me he beat his best time in his Miata on the Dragon in the Mini Cooper S DRIVING IN SNOW.

[@DoomsdayMelody91]

I never understood how people driving fwd cars claim that a miata is girly... furthermore, I think the mini looks god awful. the miata, while not really making any statements definitely looks better.

[@MyOpinionMatterss]

Search "car and driver best handling car under 40000". It's true the stats are in the Mini's favor. However even with better numbers it still can't overshadow the Miata. It blows my mind that anyone would think an under steering FWD is a great sports car. Did you really just link to Wikipedia??? That's downright desperate.

[@minibus1351]

That Miata should have been the top end one with 6 speed manual and the hard top. Then, it would compare better.

[@PetarVN]

Hmm, i find it amusing that they think a $24,000 miata stacks up against a $33,000 mini. The stripes are $200 the wheels are $750, the headlight casings (black) are $100 + the 100 for the nencecary white turn signals. Add al that to the 29,750-ish starting price, and there you go! at least don't make it so obvious that one is $10K more, and use a top end miata.

[@karatekai6384]

Hated. The way the hood went up on the Mazda it gives a cheep look 👀 I love ❤️ my mini it’s the bomb. ❤️⭐️❤️

[@vincenttrinh3668]

Love the Mazda because of the fast retractable roof

[@OOICU812]

You must have missed the end of the video.

[@RobDamnImFine]

Really? I don't know how you can say that when the GP MCS came in 2nd place in Europe behind the Pagani. Mind you they were all modded to race on the track. Go to Wikipedia and learn about the MINI's or mini's history in racing since 1961.

[@hemenkareamg6957]

mini is something else

[@gavriddleston7168]

Bring the roadster back, proper boot

[@Kylo_Ren_2033]

Nice road ! Where is this place ?

[@adamball1740]

Forks of the Credit Road in Caledon Ontario

[@ba9ffr]

Top of the line MINI Roadster to compare with the entry-level MX5????? You should get the MX5 top model Grand touring with PRHT. I owned both MX5 NC2 and MINI Cooper --- MX5 wins!!!! The true fun-to-drive car.

[@nezerac]

simple and fun to drive is how I like my women. But when I'm buying something new it's gotta stack up to justify it's monthly payments. :/

[@MyOpinionMatterss]

I hate to break it to you but numbers don't tell the whole story. Car and Track? That's funny you say that because if you search for Car and DRIVER best handling under $40k the Miata was second only to the Evo. JCW mini ($32k) was behind even the mustang lol. The mini is a fun commuter car but it will never be a well-balanced RWD sports car. Even a 20 yr old Miata is a set of tires/shocks and a couple bolt ons away from being a proper sports /track car.

[@3.2Carrera]

I prefer my sports cars to have front engine and rear wheel drive in the British tradition. It should not have any frills and gadgets. The Miata fits this. All the other sports cars have grown fat and are now GT's rather than roadsters.

[@FamilyCTSV]

i dont like either, but i would take the miata.

[@jayczyzyk9707]

Column good ur not reviewing anylonger

[@xlaimuxllt]

there is nothing that mini does better than mazda!

[@coleroland3258]

Fuel economy.

[@xlaimuxllt]

but damn its ugly..

[@TwoFacedShadow]

Laimis does just about everything better than mazda

[@xlaimuxllt]

FWD all needs to be said.

[@muhann4d]

Price wise? ... Better of with a Focus ST

[@zepptar]

Sorry but the Miata looks way outdated. Just saw a new a brand new one and at first thought it was made 15 years ago.

[@BoyComeHere]

Miata dude totally stalled the engine 8:08

[@MyOpinionMatterss]

If you love driving, get the Miata. If you love being a hipster, get the Mini.

[@KidKallum]

WTAF is Richard on about? FWD is the better drivetrain? FWD better than RWD? I'm sure he's a swell guy but a driving enthusiast he is not.

[@bkollective]

the supercharged minis are the best

[@JADEYWADEYMAKADEYPATADEY]

Give 5 years and see how much you put into the Mini in term of cost to own. Beside that Turbo wont last as long as the engine = another big bill.

[@Kylo_Ren_2033]

I've never drive a FWD car. What's the difference between FWD and RWD ? Is FWD makes the driving less fun ?

[@sethjones5250]

Front wheel drive is worse off the line, but it does offer somewhat better packaging which can mean more interior room. Front drive doesn't allow you to steer with the throttle, ames it harder to do skids and donuts. Front drive can also mean that the car has a greater tendency to understeer. Say you're driving in the snow and you try to make a turn. The last thing you want to do is hit the gas when you are in the middle of the turn. If you do, that will make your car head in a straight line instead of following the curve. A RWD car however will have a tendency to spin out. Sometimes FWD can be easier to handle in the snow and there can be more weight over the driving wheels, but RWD is usually preferred for pure driving enjoyment. AWD is great too, but I don't have experience with that

[@richardthomas1531]

Not even a fair contest. Model vs Super Model Turbo. Mazda just lays there.

[@RMAGEDN740]

tell that to the turbocharged cobalt ss and the dodge srt-4.

[@caerroma]

In my opinion this are two very different cars, min

[@CaptnDeadpool]

That Mini ain't got nothin' on the Miata.

[@StriderCX]

"Some people accuse the Miata of being girly. But it's more... asexual." AHAHAHAHHA XD The car has never been described more accurately.