VS
At a Glance
Power
135 kW
115 kW
Torque
300 Nm
230 Nm
Fuel
6.6 l/100km
6.0 l/100km
Towing
1600 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
8.2 s
8.0 s
Engine
1998 cc
1499 cc
Choosing between the BMW 4 Series and the MINI Cooper is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW 4 Series delivers 135 kW while the MINI Cooper produces 115 kW. On fuel, the 4 Series returns 6.6 l/100km while the Cooper uses 6.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 156 070 for the 4 Series and R627 052 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
135 kW
115 kW
Torque
300 Nm
230 Nm
0-100 kph
8.2 s
8.0 s
Top Speed
236 Km/h
225 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
1499 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
7
Drive Wheels
rear
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.6 l/100km
6.0 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
44 l
CO2 Emissions
152 g/km
137 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4768 mm
4036 mm
Width
1852-2081 mm
1744-1970 mm
Height
1384 mm
1464 mm
Wheelbase
2851 mm
2567 mm
Ground Clearance
—
130 mm
Kerb Weight
1690 DIN / 1765 EU Kg
1320 DIN / 1395 EU Kg
Doors
2
5
Seats
4
5
Load Volume
300-385 l
275-665-925 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600 Kg
—
Load Capacity
495 l
520 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ 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
✓ 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
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
Optional
Keyless Entry
Optional
Optional
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
service interval indicator / 20000 km
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
4 Series
Fuel Economy
Cooper
Value
Cooper
Practicality
4 Series
Pros & Cons
BMW 4 Series
More powerful engine (135 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (6.6 l/100km)
Higher starting price
MINI Cooper
Better fuel economy (6.0 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R627 052)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (8.0 ss)
Less power than rival (115 kW vs 135 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 4 Series or Cooper?
The 4 Series uses 6.6 l/100km and the Cooper uses 6.0 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Cooper 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 4 Series or Cooper?
The 4 Series produces 135 kW and 300 Nm of torque while the Cooper delivers 115 kW and 230 Nm of torque. The 4 Series is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 4 Series and Cooper?
The 4 Series starts from R1 156 070 and the Cooper from R627 052. The Cooper is cheaper by R529 018 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the 4 Series or Cooper?
The 4 Series has a braked towing capacity of 1600 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 4 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.