2021 BMW 3 Series vs 2021 MINI Cooper
Overview | |
MSRP$41,250 | MSRP$22,400 |
Average price$32,211 | Average price$24,797 |
Listings1895 | Listings278 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews6.8 out of 10 | Expert reviews5.0 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
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2021 BMW 3 Series Reviews SummaryEarly generations of the BMW 3 Series redefined what a luxury car could be, justifying their prestige badge with sporty driving dynamics and impeccable engineering. BMW changed the luxury-car paradigm, proving that nimble sports sedans could be just as desirable as wood-encrusted land yachts. The 3 Series spawned a number of imitators, including the Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Lexus IS. Those sedans, along with the Acura TLX, Alfa Romeo Giulia, Cadillac CT4, and Infiniti Q50 (which wear more recently-introduced nameplates) still form the 3 Series’ competitive set, but the car itself has changed. Introduced for the 2019 model year, the current-generation 3 Series (codenamed G20) feels more like a traditional luxury sedan, with a greater emphasis on comfort and convenience than previous generations. The manual transmission is gone, as are the wagon and 3 Series GT hatchback body styles. The 3 Series coupe and convertible were re-badged as the 4 Series beginning with the 2014 model year. The biggest change for the 2021 BMW 3 Series is the addition of the 330e plug-in hybrid model to the lineup, so that’s what we test drove for this review. BMW also offers 330i and M340i versions, and there’s an M3 performance model on the way. | |
2021 MINI Cooper Reviews SummaryThe MINI Cooper is a funky little car with a big attitude that screams nostalgia. The BMW-owned automaker marches to the beat of its own drum, and while the MINI Cooper isn’t the most practical or best equipped car in its class, its unique styling and classic fun-loving attitude will be just what the doctor ordered for many buyers. The Cooper is available in body styles that include the two-door Mini Cooper Hardtop, a four-door hardtop, and a convertible. Other variants of the Cooper go by different names, such as the larger MINI Countryman crossover and the Clubman wagon. Updates for the 2021 model year includes several new features and the re-addition of a manual transmission option. Two new special editions are also available: MINI Sidewalk and John Cooper Works GP. The MINI Cooper's odd place in the market pits it against several competitors from various classes. New car buyers may cross-shop the Mazda MX-5 Miata, BMW 2 Series, Kia Soul, Kia Seltos, Subaru BRZ, Toyota GR86, Hyundai Kona, or Mazda MX-30 when making a buying decision on the MINI. Prior to their discontinuation, the Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit were solid Mini competitors as well. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 255 hp I4 | Engine1.5L 134 hp I3 |
Drive TrainRWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity4 |
Horsepower255 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower134 hp @ 4400 rpm |
MPG City26 | MPG City26 |
MPG Highway36 | MPG Highway37 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 255 hp I4 | Engine Name1.5L 134 hp I3 |
Torque295 lb-ft @ 1450 rpm | Torque162 lb-ft @ 1250 rpm |
Horsepower255 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower134 hp @ 4400 rpm |
DrivetrainRWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City26 | MPG City26 |
MPG Highway36 | MPG Highway37 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity4 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemStandard | Navigation System |
Sunroof/MoonroofStandard | Sunroof/Moonroof |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall4 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space13.0 cu ft | Cargo Space8.7 cu ft |
Curb Weight3589 lbs | Curb Weight2707 lbs |
Height56.8 in | Height55.7 in |
Length185.7 in | Length151.1 in |
Width81.4 in | Width76.1 in |
Wheelbase112.2 in | Wheelbase98.2 in |
Maximum Payload | Maximum Payload818 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors2 |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $41,250 | $22,400 |
Average price | $32,211 | $24,797 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 5.0 | 4.7 |
Expert reviews | 6.8 out of 10Read full review | 5.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
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Summary | Early generations of the BMW 3 Series redefined what a luxury car could be, justifying their prestige badge with sporty driving dynamics and impeccable engineering. BMW changed the luxury-car paradigm, proving that nimble sports sedans could be just as desirable as wood-encrusted land yachts. The 3 Series spawned a number of imitators, including the Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Lexus IS. Those sedans, along with the Acura TLX, Alfa Romeo Giulia, Cadillac CT4, and Infiniti Q50 (which wear more recently-introduced nameplates) still form the 3 Series’ competitive set, but the car itself has changed. Introduced for the 2019 model year, the current-generation 3 Series (codenamed G20) feels more like a traditional luxury sedan, with a greater emphasis on comfort and convenience than previous generations. The manual transmission is gone, as are the wagon and 3 Series GT hatchback body styles. The 3 Series coupe and convertible were re-badged as the 4 Series beginning with the 2014 model year. The biggest change for the 2021 BMW 3 Series is the addition of the 330e plug-in hybrid model to the lineup, so that’s what we test drove for this review. BMW also offers 330i and M340i versions, and there’s an M3 performance model on the way. | The MINI Cooper is a funky little car with a big attitude that screams nostalgia. The BMW-owned automaker marches to the beat of its own drum, and while the MINI Cooper isn’t the most practical or best equipped car in its class, its unique styling and classic fun-loving attitude will be just what the doctor ordered for many buyers. The Cooper is available in body styles that include the two-door Mini Cooper Hardtop, a four-door hardtop, and a convertible. Other variants of the Cooper go by different names, such as the larger MINI Countryman crossover and the Clubman wagon. Updates for the 2021 model year includes several new features and the re-addition of a manual transmission option. Two new special editions are also available: MINI Sidewalk and John Cooper Works GP. The MINI Cooper's odd place in the market pits it against several competitors from various classes. New car buyers may cross-shop the Mazda MX-5 Miata, BMW 2 Series, Kia Soul, Kia Seltos, Subaru BRZ, Toyota GR86, Hyundai Kona, or Mazda MX-30 when making a buying decision on the MINI. Prior to their discontinuation, the Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit were solid Mini competitors as well. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 255 hp I4 | 1.5L 134 hp I3 |
Drive Train | RWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 4 |
Horsepower | 255 hp @ 5000 rpm | 134 hp @ 4400 rpm |
MPG City | 26 | 26 |
MPG Highway | 36 | 37 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 255 hp I4 | 1.5L 134 hp I3 |
Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1450 rpm | 162 lb-ft @ 1250 rpm |
Horsepower | 255 hp @ 5000 rpm | 134 hp @ 4400 rpm |
Drivetrain | RWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 26 | 26 |
MPG Highway | 36 | 37 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 4 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 13.0 cu ft | 8.7 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3589 lbs | 2707 lbs |
Height | 56.8 in | 55.7 in |
Length | 185.7 in | 151.1 in |
Width | 81.4 in | 76.1 in |
Wheelbase | 112.2 in | 98.2 in |
Maximum Payload | 818 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 2 |
By: CarGurus + AI
This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.