VS
At a Glance
Power
233 kW
125kW@6000
Torque
400 Nm
220Nm@4000
Fuel
7.8 l/100km
11.26
Towing
750 Kg
650
0-100 km/h
4.9 s
8.4
Engine
1998 cc
1598
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 233 kW while the MINI COOPER produces 125kW@6000. On fuel, the 1 Series returns 7.8 l/100km while the COOPER uses 11.26 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R988 768 for the 1 Series and R250 350 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
233 kW
125kW@6000
Torque
400 Nm
220Nm@4000
0-100 kph
4.9 s
8.4
Top Speed
250 Km/h
220
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
1598
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
7
6
Drive Wheels
all
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.8 l/100km
11.26
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
14.82
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
49 l
50
CO2 Emissions
177 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
4361 mm
3655
Width
1800-2072 mm
1925
Height
1459 mm
1416
Wheelbase
2670 mm
2467
Ground Clearance
156 mm
113
Kerb Weight
1550 DIN / 1625 EU Kg
1235
Doors
5
3
Seats
5
4
Load Volume
380-1200 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
750 Kg
650
Load Capacity
550 l
670
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✗
Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Satellite Navigation
Optional
Optional
Reversing Camera
Optional
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
Optional
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
Optional
✗
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
24
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
—
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
25000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW 1 Series
3 / 4 categories
Performance
1 Series
Fuel Economy
1 Series
Value
COOPER
Practicality
1 Series
Pros & Cons
BMW 1 Series
Better fuel economy (7.8 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (750 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.9 ss)
Higher starting price
MINI COOPER
Lower starting price (R250 350)
Higher fuel consumption (11.26)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 1 Series or COOPER?
The 1 Series uses 7.8 l/100km and the COOPER uses 11.26 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 233 kW and 400 Nm of torque while the COOPER delivers 125kW@6000 and 220Nm@4000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the 1 Series and COOPER?
The 1 Series starts from R988 768 and the COOPER from R250 350. The COOPER is cheaper by R738 418 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 750 Kg and the COOPER can tow 650. 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.