TEST Mazda MX-5 against Mini Convertible is a tough battle of feelings against reason

rewrite this content and keep HTML tags You have to look for small convertibles with a low price with a magnifying glass. It is all the better that the Mazda MX-5 and Mini Cooper S Cabrio are still there. Which one is the most fun on winding roads? Both cars are only 3.90 meters long, but the Mazda MX-5 does not mean that every centimeter is used optimally. Only two people can go and they fit like tight leggings around the legs of a beach tourist. Yet the co-driver does not have to fear an elbow bump with every arm movement from the driver, because the car is quite wide. It’s all fine as long as you are no taller than 1.85 meters, because the adjustment options for the steering wheel and seats are limited. Poor visibility in Mini Cooper S Convertible You also have to make concessions with the luggage space, it can only accommodate 130 liters and the maximum loading capacity is 195 kilos. This means that voluptuous drivers must either always drive alone or leave the drinks alone. The finish is okay, but the materials are clearly less beautiful than those of the Mini. The torsional stiffness is also slightly less well organized than that of his English opponent. The Bavarian Brit also has two extra places, a higher loading capacity and more storage compartments. But let’s be honest, you can only fit small children on the two separately folding rear seats. In terms of clarity, the Mazda does better again, because in the Mini Cooper S Convertible visibility to the rear is so poor that with the roof open, even a Hummer disappears behind the folded roof. Front-wheel drive vs. rear wheel drive Already at the first turn you will notice that in the Mazda the power goes to the rear wheels and in the Mini to the front wheels. In the Mazda MX-5, the steering is free from drive influences. This way you can steer it wonderfully over the slalom course. Thanks to the easily controlled power, the Mazda remains easy to control even in the limit range. Still, you have to keep your wits about you a bit, because you don’t want to be surprised by a rear end that breaks out. The Mini is a typical front-wheel drive: when it reaches its limits, it slides straight ahead over its front wheels. Although the Mini does not shy away from fast bends. The body movements remain limited and the ESP, which cannot be completely switched off, makes minor interventions if necessary. The surprising conclusion of this chapter is that the Mini does not feel like you are in a go-kart, as the cliché goes. For pure driving pleasure you should go to the MX-5. Which is better, Mazda MX-5 or Mini Cooper S Convertible? If you were to buy a car solely for the pleasure of driving (which we understand all too well), then the Mazda MX-5 is the clear winner. In that respect, it offers much more value for money than the distant Mini. But in our objective tests, less important things such as a back seat or the contents of the trunk count just as much for convertibles. And it is precisely on those down-to-earth parts that the MX-5 is defeated by the Mini. This British-Bavarian brand also has a considerable reputation when it comes to entertainment. That is quite disappointing in the Cooper S; he is a bit distant. However, it is more of a ‘real’ car and therefore better suited for long journeys. Apart from that, we can be happy that relatively affordable convertibles still exist. In that respect, both the Mazda and the Mini are winners. Curious about which car wins the test? This is an adaptation of a comparison test from Auto Review. You can read the full story (with the final results) in the paper version of Auto Reviewwhich is in stores now. Mazda MX5 private lease You can also opt for a convertible with a private lease. The Mazda MX-5 private lease you via Auto Review. Still not the car you’re looking for? Then look further in our private lease comparator.