MINI vs FIAT – Competitive Comparison At MINI of Ann Arbor

MINI Cooper Hardtop 2 Door vs Fiat 500

While both the MINI Cooper Hardtop 2 Door and FIAT 500 each deliver strikingly iconic styling and spirited performance in a compact package, there are some key differences for shoppers to consider. Below, you’ll find a thorough breakdown of just how well these two vehicles compare.

2018 MINI Cooper Hardtop 2 Door	VS.	2017 FIAT 500 Lounge
$21,600	Base MSRP	$18,495
5 Star Rating	NHTSA Passenger Crash Test Rating	3 Star Rating
3 years / 36,000 miles	Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	Not Available
134 @ 4500 RPM	Horsepower	101 @ 6500 RPM
162 @ 1250 RPM	Torque	98 @ 4000 RPM
38 cubic feet	Max Interior Cargo Volume	30.1 cubic feet
40.3 / 41.4 inches	Front Head/Leg Room	37.6 / 40.7 inches
Fully Automatic	Exterior Light Control	Auto-Off Only
Standard Servotronic	Speed Sensitive Steering	Not Available
Variable Intermittent	Windshield Wiper Speeds	Fixed Interval

The first glaringly obvious advantage for the MINI is in performance. Offering 33 additional horsepower and 64 lb-ft more torque than the FIAT 500, the MINI Cooper Hardtop 2 Door is the clear choice for drivings looking for spirited performance. Complimentary scheduled maintenance is included with the MINI for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. FIAT does not offer complimentary scheduled maintenance. Helpful features such as variable intermittent windshield wipers, speed sensitive steering, and fully automatic exterior lights further highlight the value found in the MINI Cooper Hardtop 2 Door.

In NHTSA Passenger Crash Testing, the MINI Cooper Hardtop 2 Door earned a perfect 5-star rating while the FIAT 500 could only manage to achieve a 3-star rating. Occupants will be much safer in the passenger seat of the MINI than the FIAT. They’ll be more comfortable as well, thanks to the greater amount of front head and leg room offered in the MINI. The Cooper Hardtop 2 Door also boasts nearly 8 additional cubic feet of interior cargo volume.

MINI Cooper Hardtop 4 Door vs FIAT 500L

With European styling and the versatility of a four-door design, the MINI Cooper Hardtop 4 Door and the FIAT 500L may appear to be equals. Each offers innovative tech features along with impressive fuel efficiency and compact sizing. Are you curious how both vehicles compare side-by-side? Let’s take a closer look.

2018 MINI Cooper Hardtop 4 Door	VS.	2017 FIAT 500L Trekking
$22,600	Starting MSRP	$22,995
37 / 28 / 32	MPG (Hwy/City/Combined)	30 / 22 / 25
41.1	Front Leg Room (inches)	40.0
Standard	Automatic Dual-Zone Climate Control	Optional
Standard	Smart Key System	Not Available
Standard	Backup Camera	Optional
Standard	Speed-Sensitive Power Steering	Not Available
Independent	Rear Suspension	Semi-Independent

With numerous competitive advantages, the MINI Cooper Hardtop 4 Door earns the victory over the Fiat 500L. From the start, the MINI boasts significantly better highway, city, and combined fuel efficiency along with a $395 dollar price advantage. A lower purchase price and less-frequent trips to the gas station highlight the outstanding value found in the MINI Cooper Hardtop 4 Door.

Continuing down the list, standard features found on the MINI Cooper Hardtop 4 Door include automatic dual-zone climate control, smart key system, integrated backup camera, and speed-sensitive power steering. Each of these helpful features are either added-cost options on the FIAT 500L or are not available at all. The MINI also features a more sophisticated rear suspension design for more agile handling and refinement on your daily commute. With greater front leg room, both drivers and passengers will be able to unwind and relax in complete comfort in the MINI Cooper Hardtop 4 Door.

MINI Cooper Clubman vs FIAT 500X

Those who live active lifestyles have come to appreciate MINI and FIAT vehicles for their impressive versatility. While both the MINI Cooper Clubman and FIAT 500X can be equipped with all-wheel drive, there are some key differences between the two. In this face-off, the MINI Cooper Clubman S ALL4 goes up against the FIAT 500X Lounge AWD.

2018 MINI Cooper Clubman S ALL4	VS.	2017 FIAT 500X Lounge AWD
$30,300	Starting MSRP	$27,050
189 @ 5000 RPM	Horsepower	180 @ 6400 RPM
207 @ 1350 RPM	Torque	175 @ 3900 RPM
30	Highway MPG	29
17.5	Cargo Volume (cubic feet)	14.1
40.2	Front Headroom (inches)	39.1
13.2 gallons	Fuel Tank Capacity	12.7 gallons

While the MINI Cooper Clubman S ALL4 has a higher starting MSRP than the FIAT 500X Lounge AWD, it’s clear that MINI drivers will be getting the most for their money. Beginning with performance, the MINI has a strong advantage. Offering 9 greater horsepower and 32 lb-ft of torque than the FIAT, those who crave driving excitement will be impressed with the MINI Cooper Clubman S ALL4.

The MINI also holds an advantage in highway fuel economy, delivering a higher MPG rating than the FIAT. With a greater fuel tank capacity as well, the MINI Cooper Clubman S ALL4 is better suited for those extended road trips. MINI drivers can carry more luggage along for the journey, with 3.4 additional cubic feet of cargo volume than the rival FIAT. Both drivers and front passengers can enjoy a more comfortable trip thanks to the greater front headroom offered in the MINI.

MINI vehicles continue to outpace the competition and stand out from the crowd thanks to their unique styling and craftsmanship. Browse our inventory of the latest MINI vehicles here at MINI of Ann Arbor to find the one that’s best for you.