MINI John Cooper Works vs Mazda MX-5
The MINI John Cooper Works and Mazda MX-5 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 | MINI John Cooper Works | Mazda MX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 30 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 37 mpg ✓ | 36 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,550 | $2,550 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 288 g/mi ✓ | 298 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI, SIDI | SIDI, 2.0 |
| Transmissions | Automatic (AM-S7), Automatic (S8), Manual 6-spd | Automatic (S6), Manual 6-spd, Manual 5-spd |
| 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 MX-5: common questions
Which is better on gas, the MINI John Cooper Works or the Mazda MX-5?
The MINI John Cooper Works and Mazda MX-5 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 Mazda MX-5 runs about $2,550 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,550 for the MINI John Cooper Works — a difference of roughly $0 per year.
What engines do the John Cooper Works and MX-5 offer?
MINI John Cooper Works: SIDI & PFI, SIDI. Mazda MX-5: SIDI, 2.0.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
The EPA classifies the MINI John Cooper Works as Subcompact Cars and the Mazda MX-5 as Two Seaters, so they aren't a like-for-like match on size.
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