2012 Fiat 500 vs. 2011 Mini Cooper Comparison Test

We're not sure how we ended up on Mulholland Highway with the 2012 Fiat 500, but the little red hatchback is taking the abuse well. We chuck it into corner after corner, and it always takes a set (eventually) and then gathers itself up for the next challenge. As economy cars go, this Rosso Cinquecento is a gamer.

So is the 2011 Mini Cooper. There's no turbocharger or optional sport suspension on this base Cooper hardtop, but it doesn't matter. The Mini reacts to steering inputs like a good hitter who gets a fastball down the middle of the plate: It turns on them immediately and delivers us to the apex quicker than we expected.



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mini22 - 10/12/2011 1:32:13 PM

+2 Boost

Well the Cooper averages about 4 grand more optionally equipped. The Fiat appears to have a better ride with not a huge trade off in handling.The 500 has more rear legroom and more cargo space then the Cooper. It also gets slightly better gas mileage and a nicer sounding engine then the Cooper. The Cooper is the better drivers car but it costs more. I would still consider the 500 even though it is slow. I would probably buy some after market intake and exhaust to give it slightly more power(Road Race Motorsports). I might buy some sports springs to lower it slightly for better handling.

PUGPROUD - 10/12/2011 2:00:29 PM

+4 Boost

Drove the new Mini Cooper S coupe and must admit once up to speed it
is great fun...turns on a dime. Ride much better than expected. The faster you go the smaller the car seems...was I really doing 85 thru that bend in this go cart!

mini22 - 10/12/2011 6:22:58 PM

+1 Boost

The Mini does handle better then the Fiat but does not ride as well. As an owner of an 06 Cooper S I would have to concur on this.I drove the version 2 of the S. It rides slightly better and has much more comfortable seats in it.If you don't order the optional wood or metal for the dash it looks very cheap. Also the toggle switches look very cheap as well. But we are talking about the base car.It seems to me the cheaper way to go is with the 500 and get some performance goodies from Road Race Motorsports for power and handling. You still come out ahead then a base Cooper.