MINI John Cooper Works vs BMW Z4
The MINI John Cooper Works is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 30 mpg combined versus 28 mpg for the BMW Z4, a 2 mpg advantage and costs about $150 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the MINI John Cooper Works leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
MINI John Cooper Works
Subcompact Cars · 56 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | MINI John Cooper Works | BMW Z4 |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 30 mpg ✓ | 28 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 27 mpg ✓ | 25 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 37 mpg ✓ | 33 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,550 ✓ | $2,700 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 288 g/mi ✓ | 312 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI, SIDI | SIDI |
| Transmissions | Automatic (AM-S7), Automatic (S8), Manual 6-spd | Manual 6-spd, Automatic (S8), Automatic (AM-S7) |
| Drivetrains | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium | Premium |
| EPA class | Subcompact Cars | Two Seaters |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 56 | 25 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
John Cooper Works vs Z4: common questions
Which is better on gas, the MINI John Cooper Works or the BMW Z4?
The MINI John Cooper Works is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 30 mpg combined versus 28 mpg for the BMW Z4, a 2 mpg advantage and costs about $150 less per year to fuel.
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 $2,700 for the BMW Z4 — a difference of roughly $150 per year.
What engines do the John Cooper Works and Z4 offer?
MINI John Cooper Works: SIDI & PFI, SIDI. BMW Z4: SIDI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
The EPA classifies the MINI John Cooper Works as Subcompact Cars and the BMW Z4 as Two Seaters, so they aren't a like-for-like match on size.
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