Mazda MX-5 vs MINI John Cooper Works
The Mazda MX-5 and MINI John Cooper Works are evenly matched on fuel economy — both peak at 30 mpg combined — so the decision comes down to engine choice, drivetrain, and class.
Across 2 measured categories, the MINI John Cooper Works leads in 2. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
MINI John Cooper Works
Subcompact Cars · 56 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Mazda MX-5 | MINI John Cooper Works |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 30 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 36 mpg | 37 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,550 | $2,550 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 298 g/mi | 288 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI, 2.0 | SIDI & PFI, SIDI |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S6), Manual 6-spd, Manual 5-spd | Automatic (AM-S7), Automatic (S8), Manual 6-spd |
| Drivetrains | Rear-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium | Premium |
| EPA class | Two Seaters | Subcompact Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 25 | 56 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
MX-5 vs John Cooper Works: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Mazda MX-5 or the MINI John Cooper Works?
The Mazda MX-5 and MINI John Cooper Works are evenly matched on fuel economy — both peak at 30 mpg combined — so the decision comes down to engine choice, drivetrain, and class.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the MINI John Cooper Works runs about $2,550 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,550 for the Mazda MX-5 — a difference of roughly $0 per year.
What engines do the MX-5 and John Cooper Works offer?
Mazda MX-5: SIDI, 2.0. MINI John Cooper Works: SIDI & PFI, SIDI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
The EPA classifies the Mazda MX-5 as Two Seaters and the MINI John Cooper Works as Subcompact Cars, so they aren't a like-for-like match on size.
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Comparison id: mazda-mx-5-vs-mini-john-cooper-works