VS
At a Glance
Power
115 kW
160 kW
Torque
230 Nm
330 Nm
Fuel
6.4 l/100km
15.1 kWh/100km l/100km
Towing
1300 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
8.5 s
6.7 s
Engine
1499 cc
electric cc
Choosing between the BMW 1 Series and the MINI Cooper is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW 1 Series delivers 115 kW while the MINI Cooper produces 160 kW. On fuel, the 1 Series returns 6.4 l/100km while the Cooper uses 15.1 kWh/100km l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R713 395 for the 1 Series and R806 000 for the Cooper. 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.
Performance
Power Output
115 kW
160 kW
Torque
230 Nm
330 Nm
0-100 kph
8.5 s
6.7 s
Top Speed
226 Km/h
170 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1499 cc
electric cc
Engine Layout
inline
—
Cylinders
3
—
Fuel Type
petrol
electric
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
—
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.4 l/100km
15.1 kWh/100km l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
49 l
54.2 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
145 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
4361 mm
3858 mm
Width
1800-2072 mm
1756-1967 mm
Height
1459 mm
1460 mm
Wheelbase
2670 mm
2526 mm
Ground Clearance
156 mm
—
Kerb Weight
1390 DIN / 1465 EU Kg
1605 DIN / 1680 EU Kg
Doors
5
3
Seats
5
4
Load Volume
380-1200 l
210-800 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1300 Kg
—
Load Capacity
570 l
450 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7
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
Optional
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
Optional
Keyless Entry
Optional
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
2 vehicle / 8 battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited vehicle / 100000 battery Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
service interval indicator / 20000 km
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW 1 Series
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Cooper
Fuel Economy
1 Series
Value
1 Series
Practicality
1 Series
Pros & Cons
BMW 1 Series
Better fuel economy (6.4 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R713 395)
Less power than rival (115 kW vs 160 kW)
MINI Cooper
More powerful engine (160 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.7 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (15.1 kWh/100km l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 1 Series or Cooper?
The 1 Series uses 6.4 l/100km and the Cooper uses 15.1 kWh/100km l/100km on the combined cycle. The 1 Series is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the 1 Series or Cooper?
The 1 Series produces 115 kW and 230 Nm of torque while the Cooper delivers 160 kW and 330 Nm of torque. The Cooper is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 1 Series and Cooper?
The 1 Series starts from R713 395 and the Cooper from R806 000. The 1 Series is cheaper by R92 605 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the 1 Series or Cooper?
The 1 Series has a braked towing capacity of 1300 Kg and the Cooper can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the 1 Series or the Cooper?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - 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.