VS
At a Glance
Power
450hp @ 8250
228hp @ 5000
Torque
317lb-ft @ 4000
280lb-ft @ 1500
Fuel
19 mpg est.
32 mpg est.
Engine
4.2 L/254ci
2.0 L/122ci
Choosing between the Audi A5 and the MINI Cooper is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Audi A5 delivers 450hp @ 8250 while the MINI Cooper produces 228hp @ 5000. On fuel, the A5 returns 19 mpg est. while the Cooper uses 32 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $79,200 for the A5 and $38,900 for the Cooper. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Audi A5RS 5 2dr Cabriolet 2015 - From $79,200
MINI CooperJohn Cooper Works Signature FWD 2026 - From $38,900
Performance
Power Output (hp)
450hp @ 8250
228hp @ 5000
Torque (lb-ft)
317lb-ft @ 4000
280lb-ft @ 1500
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4.2 L/254ci
2.0 L/122ci
Cylinders
8
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Auto-Shift Manual w/OD
Automatic
Number of Gears
7
7
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
19 mpg est.
32 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
16mpg
27mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
22mpg
37mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
16.1gal
11.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
182.1in
152.6in
Width (in)
73in
68.7in
Height (in)
54.4in
57.2in
Wheelbase (in)
108.3in
98.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4420lbs
3047lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
MINI Cooper
2 / 4 categories
Performance
A5
Fuel Economy
Cooper
Value
Cooper
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi A5
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (19 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
MINI Cooper
Better fuel economy (32 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($38,900)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A5 or Cooper?
The A5 gets 19 mpg est. and the Cooper gets 32 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Cooper is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the A5 or Cooper?
The A5 produces 450hp @ 8250 and 317lb-ft @ 4000 of torque while the Cooper delivers 228hp @ 5000 and 280lb-ft @ 1500 of torque. The A5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A5 and Cooper?
The A5 starts from $79,200 and the Cooper from $38,900. The Cooper is cheaper by $40,300 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the A5 or the Cooper?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.