Mini Cooper vs Versa
Both the Mini Cooper and the Versa sit in the subcompact car class, and MINI and Nissan are clearly watching each other. By our tally, the Mini Cooper leads 2 of 4 areas. The engine & performance section is where it pulls furthest ahead of the Versa.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Mini Cooper wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Mini Cooper wins
- Space & Practicality Versa wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance10.0
- Fuel Economy & Range10.0
- Engine & Performance0.0
- Fuel Economy & Range0.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Mini Cooper has 39 hp more power
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 161 hp for the Mini Cooper versus 122 hp for the Versa. The Mini Cooper’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The Mini Cooper has 70 lb-ft more torque
The Versa lists 114 lb-ft; the Mini Cooper comes in at 184 lb-ft. That’s not a rounding error. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
-
The Mini Cooper has better fuel economy
A narrow win for the Mini Cooper. With 32 mpg to 30 mpg, it’s the kind of difference that adds up rather than stands out. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
-
The Versa has room for 5 seats
Close, but not identical: the Versa lists 5 seats and the Mini Cooper lists 4 seats. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
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The Mini Cooper has better highway fuel economy
The gap on fuel economy (highway) is slim (39 mpg against 35 mpg), yet it tips toward the Mini Cooper. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Mini Cooper | Versa |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 177 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 68.5 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 57.5 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 103.1 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 2,599 lb |
Engine & Performance
Mini Cooper leads
If engine & performance is high on your list, the Mini Cooper makes the stronger case by a wide margin. The Mini Cooper takes this one with 39 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. That makes the Mini Cooper the natural choice for buyers focused on engine & performance.
Total system output
Mini Cooper: 161 hp Versa: 122 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
Mini Cooper: 184 lb-ft Versa: 114 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
Mini Cooper leads
The fuel economy & range numbers point firmly in one direction: toward the Mini Cooper. Choose the Mini Cooper and you get better fuel economy. The Mini Cooper uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. Weighing only fuel economy & range, the Mini Cooper comes out ahead.
Fuel economy (combined)
Mini Cooper: 32 mpg Versa: 30 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (highway)
Mini Cooper: 39 mpg Versa: 35 mpg The Mini Cooper uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Space & Practicality
Versa leads
The Versa does a little better in the space & practicality section, though nothing here is a deal-breaker for the Mini Cooper. The Versa comes with room for 5 seats. The Versa has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools. For anyone who cares most about space & practicality, the Versa is the safer choice.
Seats
Mini Cooper: 4 seats Versa: 5 seats Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
This area ends level; whatever separates these two, it isn’t off-road & towing. Bottom line for off-road & towing: it’s a wash.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech data here comes as names and types, not scores. Check the table to see what each one uses.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Mini Cooper | Versa |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 1.6L I4 |
| Total system output | 161 hp (winner) | 122 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft (winner) | 114 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch | 5-speed manual (CVT available) |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Mini Cooper | Versa |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 32 mpg (winner) | 30 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 39 mpg (winner) | 35 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 10.8 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Mini Cooper | Versa |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 14.7 cu ft |
| Rear legroom | N/A (not specified) | 31 in |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Mini Cooper | Versa |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | No | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Mini Cooper | Versa |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 7 in |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Mini Cooper | Versa |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 177 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 68.5 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 57.5 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 103.1 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 2,599 lb |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Mini Cooper if…
- you want more power (161 hp vs 122 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (184 lb-ft vs 114 lb-ft of torque)
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (32 mpg vs 30 mpg combined)
- you cover long highway distances (39 mpg vs 35 mpg on the highway)
Choose the Versa if…
- you need more seats (5 seats vs 4 seats)
- you prefer staying with Nissan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Mini Cooper or the Versa?
We’d point most buyers to the Mini Cooper. The main exception is if you’d trade the rest for room for 5 seats.
Executive Summary
I read both spec sheets (the Mini Cooper’s and the Versa’s) so you don’t have to. It’s hard to argue with 39 hp more power, which is exactly what the Mini Cooper brings. It also helps that the Mini Cooper has better fuel economy. Where the Versa fights back is room for 5 seats.
The Mini Cooper makes sense for anyone who values engine & performance; the Versa for anyone who values space & practicality.
My pick: I think most people will be happier with the Mini Cooper, unless you specifically want room for 5 seats, where the Versa has the edge.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.