VS
At a Glance
Power
161hp @ 5000
180hp @ 5800
Torque
184lb-ft @ 1520
178lb-ft @ 3700
Fuel
34 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the MINI Cooper and the Subaru Impreza is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The MINI Cooper delivers 161hp @ 5000 while the Subaru Impreza produces 180hp @ 5800. On fuel, the Cooper returns 34 mpg est. while the Impreza uses 30 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $29,500 for the Cooper and $29,495 for the Impreza. 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.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
161hp @ 5000
180hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
184lb-ft @ 1520
178lb-ft @ 3700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
7
—
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
34 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
28mpg
26mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
39mpg
33mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
11.6gal
16.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
158.9in
176.2in
Width (in)
68.7in
70.1in
Height (in)
57.6in
58.3in
Wheelbase (in)
101.1in
105.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3078lbs
3275lbs
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
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Impreza
Fuel Economy
Cooper
Value
Tied
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
MINI Cooper
Better fuel economy (34 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Subaru Impreza
Lower starting price ($29,495)
Higher fuel consumption (30 mpg est.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Cooper or Impreza?
The Cooper gets 34 mpg est. and the Impreza gets 30 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 Cooper or Impreza?
The Cooper produces 161hp @ 5000 and 184lb-ft @ 1520 of torque while the Impreza delivers 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 3700 of torque. The Impreza is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Cooper and Impreza?
The Cooper starts from $29,500 and the Impreza from $29,495, a difference of just $5, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Cooper or the Impreza?
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.
Also Consider