VS
At a Glance
Power
161hp @ 5000
241hp @ 5000
Torque
184lb-ft @ 1520
273lb-ft @ 1750
Fuel
34 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
2.0 L/121ci
Choosing between the MINI Cooper and the Volkswagen Gti is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The MINI Cooper delivers 161hp @ 5000 while the Volkswagen Gti produces 241hp @ 5000. On fuel, the Cooper returns 34 mpg est. while the Gti uses 28 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $29,500 for the Cooper and $42,480 for the Gti. 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
MINI CooperCooper Oxford Edition FWD 2026 - From $29,500
Volkswagen Gti2.0T Autobahn DSG 2026 - From $42,480
Performance
Power Output (hp)
161hp @ 5000
241hp @ 5000
Torque (lb-ft)
184lb-ft @ 1520
273lb-ft @ 1750
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
2.0 L/121ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
7
7
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
34 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
28mpg
24mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
39mpg
32mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
11.6gal
13.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
158.9in
168.8in
Width (in)
68.7in
70.4in
Height (in)
57.6in
57.6in
Wheelbase (in)
101.1in
103.6in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3078lbs
3183lbs
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
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ 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
MINI Cooper
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Gti
Fuel Economy
Cooper
Value
Cooper
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
MINI Cooper
Better fuel economy (34 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($29,500)
Few notable weaknesses
Volkswagen Gti
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (28 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Cooper or Gti?
The Cooper gets 34 mpg est. and the Gti gets 28 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 Gti?
The Cooper produces 161hp @ 5000 and 184lb-ft @ 1520 of torque while the Gti delivers 241hp @ 5000 and 273lb-ft @ 1750 of torque. The Gti is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Cooper and Gti?
The Cooper starts from $29,500 and the Gti from $42,480. The Cooper is cheaper by $12,980 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Cooper or the Gti?
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