Often compared against each other, MINI and FIAT vehicles both offer a refreshing change from the ordinary sedan or crossover. These competitors each feature distinctive retro styling, lightweight and nimble handling dynamics, along with every-day practicality. At first glance, both manufacturers may appear to be equals. MINI of Ann Arbor has assembled this competitive comparison which takes an in-depth look at exactly how FIAT vehicles stack up against those from MINI. Let’s see just how these two compare.
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.
![]() 2019 MINI Cooper Hardtop 2 Door |
VS. | ![]() 2018 FIAT 500 Lounge |
---|---|---|
$21,900 | Base MSRP | $19,745 |
Yes | IIHS Top Safety Pick Award | No |
3 years / 36,000 miles | Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | Not Available |
134 @ 4500 RPM | Horsepower | 135 @ 5500 RPM |
162 @ 1250 RPM | Torque | 150 @ 2400 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. While they share virtually identical horsepower ratings, the MINI Cooper Hardtop 2 Door delivers greater torque than the FIAT 500. 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.
Also, the MINI Cooper Hardtop 2 Door earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick Award for 2019. FIAT failed to earn any Top Safety Pick Awards for any of their models. 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.
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.
![]() 2019 MINI Cooper Hardtop 4 Door |
VS. | ![]() 2018 FIAT 500L Trekking |
---|---|---|
$22,900 | Starting MSRP | $23,325 |
28 / 37 / 31 | MPG (City/Hwy/Combined) | 22 / 30 / 25 |
41.1 | Front Leg Room (inches) | 40.0 |
Standard | Automatic Dual-Zone Climate Control | Optional |
Standard | Smart Key System | Not Available |
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 $425 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.
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.
![]() 2019 MINI Cooper Clubman S All4 |
VS. | ![]() 2018 FIAT 500X Lounge AWD |
---|---|---|
$31,400 | Starting MSRP | $27,415 |
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.
Each year, the experts at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) takes the time to carefully scrutinize the most current models from manufacturers for their crashworthiness and overall safety performance. For the 2019 model year, the MINI Cooper Hardtop 2 Door has received a Top Safety Pick nomination when equipped with optional front crash prevention and specific headlights. Highlighting the superior safety found on all MINI vehicles, FIAT failed to earn any selections for Top Safety Pick awards. When it comes to safety, confidence, and peace of mind — the clear choice is MINI.
3500 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, United States
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(734) 272-4657
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