MINI Cooper vs Porsche Cayman
The MINI Cooper is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 110 mpg combined versus 25 mpg for the Porsche Cayman, a 85 mpg advantage and costs about $2,350 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the MINI Cooper leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | MINI Cooper | Porsche Cayman |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 110 mpg ✓ | 25 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 119 mpg ✓ | 22 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 100 mpg ✓ | 31 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $700 ✓ | $3,050 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 272 g/mi ✓ | 352 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI, SIDI, 1.6 | SIDI |
| Transmissions | Automatic (AM-S7), Manual 6-spd, Automatic (A1) | Manual 6-spd, Automatic (AM-S7) |
| Drivetrains | Front-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium, Electricity | Premium |
| EPA class | Subcompact Cars | Two Seaters |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2020 |
| Configurations on record | 135 | 35 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Cooper vs Cayman: common questions
Which is better on gas, the MINI Cooper or the Porsche Cayman?
The MINI Cooper is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 110 mpg combined versus 25 mpg for the Porsche Cayman, a 85 mpg advantage and costs about $2,350 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the MINI Cooper runs about $700 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $3,050 for the Porsche Cayman — a difference of roughly $2,350 per year.
What engines do the Cooper and Cayman offer?
MINI Cooper: SIDI & PFI, SIDI, 1.6. Porsche Cayman: SIDI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
The EPA classifies the MINI Cooper as Subcompact Cars and the Porsche Cayman as Two Seaters, so they aren't a like-for-like match on size.
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Comparison id: mini-cooper-vs-porsche-cayman