Comparison Test: 2009 BMW 128i Convertible vs. 2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible
"The so-called German spirit," groused Nietzsche in 1888. "For the past 18 years a contradiction in terms."
Pity he didn't live to see BMW's 2009 convertible lineup.
Among contemporary droptops, it's the American spirit that's increasingly a contradiction in terms, whereas BMW and its Mini and Rolls-Royce brands have quietly amassed the most spirited collection of convertibles in the world. With roofless versions of the Mini Cooper, 1 Series, 3 Series and 6 Series, as well as the Z4 and incomparable Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe, the Bavarian juggernaut now offers al fresco motoring for every budget.
For this test, we assembled our usual four-man comparison team and selected two of the most affordable topless options under the BMW umbrella: a 2009 BMW 128i and a 2009 Mini Cooper S. We commuted in them, abused them on winding canyon roads, wedged bulky items into their boots, and steadfastly resisted the temptation to cruise four-deep through Venice Beach in the Cooper with "M-I-N-I" painted on our bare chests.
After two weeks of evaluation, we had an undisputed winner on our scoring sheet, yet we'd unanimously recommend buying the loser if you can. More on which below.
Josh Sadlier, Associate Editor
2nd Place: 2009 BMW 128i Convertible
As-tested price: $37,575
For more information, see the BMW 1 Series 135i Convertible test drive and 1 Series model review
Where It Leads:
The BMW's calling card is its extraordinary refinement. The ride is remarkably smooth yet controlled, delivering luxury-car-like isolation from bumps and ruts without ever feeling wallowy. The cabin remains commendably quiet with the top up, and turbulence is minimal during top-down highway cruising. The optional sport seats (part of the Sport Package) are quite simply some of the best chairs on the market, boasting a dizzying array of adjustments for long-distance comfort and rib-hugging power side bolsters for enthusiastic driving. The familiar 230-horsepower 3.0-liter inline-6 under the hood delivers silky performance from idle to redline, and the stubby six-speed stickshift slips through its gates with a well-damped precision, oddly long throws notwithstanding.
The 128i is also the droptop of choice for people- and cargo-hauling duties. Rear headroom trails the Mini's with the top in place, but otherwise, the BMW's backseat is the pick of this litter for average-size adults. Passengers will appreciate the 128i's superior 10-speaker stereo, too, which torpedoes the Mini's clock-radio-grade system. The trunk can accommodate a golf bag and a standard suitcase with the top folded, and a second golf bag will fit if it's compact. We don't generally think of convertibles as pleasant daily drivers, but the 128i certainly qualifies.
Where It Follows:
Interestingly, the rear-wheel-drive BMW is not the ultimate driving machine of the two. Its electric power steering is less responsive than the hair-trigger Mini's, and there's some slop on center that's uncharacteristic for the brand. Despite its 17-inch wheels and sport-tuned suspension, our 128i lacked the sharp turn-in and tightly controlled body motions that Sport-Packaged BMWs typically evince. We did develop a healthy respect for the 128i's capabilities, but it's obvious that BMW's engineers tuned this car more for boulevards than backroads.
More importantly, price matters in comparison tests just as it does in the real world, and the BMW was $4,875 dearer than the Mini. The gap in base prices is even wider, with the Cooper's undercutting the 128i's by exactly seven grand. Fuel economy matters, too, and just about anything looks like a gas-guzzler next to a 29-mpg-combined Cooper S. In the end, the BMW simply ran out of scoring categories, failing to make up enough ground to compensate for its higher cost and greater thirst. If you spring for one, though, you won't be disappointed. The more affordable and efficient Mini proved impossible to beat on the scoresheet, but we think the 1er's premium character justifies its higher price.
Best For:
Pleasure cruisers, commuters, golfers.
1st Place: 2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible
As-tested price: $32,700
For more information, see the 2009 Mini Cooper model review
Where It Leads:
When straights turn to curves, the Mini is in its element. Hustling the Cooper S through tight corners is like hopping on the shoulders of Sonic the Hedgehog. The 128i may be slightly quicker at the dragstrip (6.7 seconds to 60 mph vs. 7.2), but the eager midrange thrust from the Cooper S's turbocharged 1.6-liter four makes it feel livelier from behind the wheel. The six-speed manual transmission is excellent, with an easily modulated clutch and pedals that are ideally spaced for heel-toe downshifts. Throw in minimal body roll, dogged grip and instantaneous steering response, and it's easy to understand why Minis have a devoted following on the amateur racing circuit. Moreover, the Mini's performance is accessible to all -- this car is a cinch to drive.
The Mini also bested the BMW in feature content, thanks to items like heated seats, xenon headlamps and a unique "sunroof" function that slides the soft-top back a couple feet while keeping the frame in place. There's aesthetics to consider, too: while the BMW's exterior styling is forgettable at best and to our eyes rather ungainly, the Mini's bursts with inspired retro character, and its interior styling is likewise more interesting than the Bimmer's. As noted, though, the clinching categories were fuel economy and price. The Mini is 38-percent more fuel-efficient and almost $5,000 cheaper as tested, and these virtues along with its competitive performance made it the winner by a comfortable margin.
Where It Follows:
Ah, but how this cheeky little cabrio vexed us with its foibles. Suffice it to say that the Mini harbors a strong personality behind that adorable mug. Calling the ride "stiff" is only slightly less of an understatement than calling our test car's greenish-yellow color "questionable." The Sport Package's 17-inch wheels certainly didn't help our Mini in this regard (we advise sticking with the base 16s), but the Cooper S rides tautly in any form, so don't expect it to cosset you on the way home from the gym like the 128i. The Mini also fell short in cargo capacity: the trunk is a joke, and even with the split rear seatbacks folded down, it's a challenge to fit a golf bag lengthwise without sliding the relevant front seat forward. And the goofy, form-over-function climate and audio controls -- why is the volume knob six inches from the stereo? -- are the punchline to a cabin compromised by ergonomic quirks.
The Mini drew some criticism for the way it drives, too, despite its impressive handling capabilities. We all carped about the pronounced torque steer under hard acceleration, an unavoidable consequence of the Cooper S's front-drive layout, powerful engine and maximally tight steering. There was some additional grumbling regarding the Mini's tendency to skateboard over mid-corner bumps that the BMW took in stride. The Cooper is the quicker car on serpentine roads, but it's a bit high-strung about it, whereas the 128i consistently keeps its cool.
Best For:
Bargain hunters, fuel misers, retro lovers, track junkies, guys who are tempted to roll four-deep through Venice Beach with "M-I-N-I" painted on their chests.
The manufacturers provided Edmunds these vehicles for the purposes of evaluation.
- Posted by
- Josh Sadlier June 7, 2009, 3:00 PM
- Permalink
- Categories:
- BMW, Comparison Road Tests, MINI
"...pronounced torque steer under hard acceleration, an unavoidable consequence of the Cooper S's front-drive layout, powerful engine and maximally tight steering"
I just wouldn't find that acceptable in most cars, particularly a performance oriented one. If the Mini could be made lighter, it wouldn't need as much power and torque to provide the same performance, but the torque steer would likely be much less.
"...pronounced torque steer under hard acceleration, an unavoidable consequence of the Cooper S's front-drive layout, powerful engine and maximally tight steering"
I just wouldn't find that acceptable in most cars, particularly a performance oriented one. If the Mini could be made lighter, it wouldn't need as much power and torque to provide the same performance, but the torque steer would likely be much less.
How about doing a segment on small convertible cars and stigmas (like your minivan segment).
My first reaction was: These two aren't real competitors. BMW folk usually ARE NOT MINI folk.
However, the more I think about it, it makes sense--both 2+2 convertibles.
This result makes sense, though the lack of any decent cargo capacity in the MINI is probably a deal-breaker for me, though I'd have a conventional hatchback MINI again in a heartbeat.
What stigma do people have about small convertible cars?
I haven't driven a 1 series yet but even if it drives as well as the 3 series, I would still choose the Mini over the 1 series.
The Mini is just such a joy to drive. I love the light nimble "go kart" feel much more then the serious mature feel of the BMW.
I've heard more than a few guys say they won't drive a two seater convertible (like the Miata).
On Speed TV, one of the hosts said it was a car for girls.
that kind of stigma.
I personally like two seater convertibles.
I have to agree with this comparison, if the 135i had been included the result would have been very different. Is interesting to see that most auto mags are being very objective with the 1 series, maybe this is a taste of things to come.
In any case, there are both chick cars:)
I'v driven both and the GTI is more practical,but it cost way too much w/sunroor and you have to have 18" wheels.
A comparable equipped mini is @3200.00 less.I can live w/o a back seat and use the car as a 3dr . hatch.
The GTI DSG transmisiion lulls you to sleep. I want to have a real 6 speed and be part of the driving experience.
I don't know if you can throw the Ford Fiesta into the mix? Could you we seem to get the dumb down cars from Europe.