2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2020 MINI Cooper

The 2020 MINI Cooper was a standout on the road with its distinctive design, characterized by wide-eyed LED-ringed headlights and a grinning front grille. Its vibrant color options and Union Jack taillights added to its charm, making it a favorite among enthusiasts. Despite its unique styling, the Cooper managed to avoid being wasteful or gaudy, exuding a charm that invited admiration. Initially available as a two-door hardtop, the MINI Cooper expanded its lineup to include a convertible and a four-door variant, eventually introducing the all-electric SE trim. The SE maintained the design elements of the Cooper S but sat slightly higher to accommodate its battery cells. Inside, the MINI Cooper's design was dominated by circular elements, from the speakers to the infotainment system, providing a premium feel unmatched in its size category.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI, a descendant of the original 1983 Rabbit GTI, continued to define the hot hatch genre with its performance-oriented enhancements. Sharing its basics with the regular Golf, the GTI featured subtle tweaks like red GTI badges, a red horizontal strip across the grille, and painted brake calipers visible through 18-inch alloy wheels. Its lowered stance, stainless-steel exhaust tips, and gloss black accents added to its sporty appearance. Inside, the GTI offered a sporty ambiance with red ambient lighting, a race-inspired steering wheel, and heated front sport seats. The quality of materials and paintwork was top-notch, ensuring a premium feel throughout the vehicle.

The 2020 MINI Cooper was renowned for its nimble quickness and ability to carve corners, a legacy dating back to its racing days in the 1960s. The Cooper SE, with its 181 horsepower electric motor and 199 pound-feet of torque, offered performance close to the Cooper S's 189 hp and 207 lb-ft from a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The SE's immediate torque delivery made it feel quick off the line, despite its 300-pound weight penalty due to the battery. The SE's regenerative braking system allowed for one-pedal driving, although some drivers preferred a less aggressive setting. The SE maintained a low center of gravity, thanks to its battery placement, ensuring a classic MINI driving experience with direct steering and minimal body roll.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI was all about performance, with its 228 horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and 258 pound-feet of torque. The GTI's handling was a major attraction, featuring four-wheel independent suspension and DCC adaptive damping in the Autobahn model. Its variable-ratio steering and Golf R front brakes provided excellent control and stopping power. However, the performance-oriented setup resulted in a rough ride on ordinary roads. The GTI offered a choice between a DSG seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and a standard six-speed manual, with the latter providing a more engaging driving experience. The GTI's fuel economy was competitive, with regular unleaded fuel yielding 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for the manual transmission.

The 2020 MINI Cooper, while not ideal for carpooling or long trips, offered good front-seat space and a sense of openness due to its large greenhouse. The backseat was small, suitable for children, and cargo space was limited, with 8.7 cubic feet in the two-door model and 13.1 cubic feet in the four-door. The SE trim maintained the same interior space, with a maximum of 25.8 cubic feet when the rear seats were folded. Despite its compact size, the Cooper was thoughtfully designed, featuring two-zone automatic air conditioning and high-quality materials.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI excelled in form and function, with its compact hatchback design offering practicality for passengers and cargo. With a 103.6-inch wheelbase and a length of 168.0 inches, the GTI provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 24.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The front row accommodated taller drivers comfortably, while the second row was adequate for two adults. The GTI's dimensions and sharp steering made it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Inside, clever storage options and a mechanical handbrake added to its functionality.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE featured an "eDrive" driver-information display, which moved with the steering wheel adjustments. The display provided essential information, including vehicle speed, remaining charge, and drive mode. The SE's 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system included Bluetooth, navigation, and Apple CarPlay, with an 8.8-inch screen available on higher trims. The SE Iconic trim also offered a wireless charging pad and a head-up display.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI retained analog gauges, complemented by a configurable driver information screen. The GTI's MIB touchscreen infotainment system was standard, with S models featuring a 6.5-inch screen and SE and Autobahn models equipped with an 8-inch screen and navigation. The system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink, with additional features like SiriusXM with 360L and Volkswagen Car-Net available. The GTI also included LED lighting, keyless access, and rain-sensing wipers as standard.

The 2020 MINI Cooper lacked advanced safety features, with only front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera included in the Iconic package. Forward-collision warning was standard, but automatic emergency braking was unavailable. The IIHS rated the MINI Cooper with top "Good" scores in all crash tests, although the NHTSA had not rated it.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" scores from the IIHS, except for an "Acceptable" score in the small overlap front passenger side test. The GTI offered a comprehensive array of safety systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Autobahn trim added adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, among other features.