VS
At a Glance
Power
265kW@6000
125kW@6000
Torque
450Nm@2250
220Nm@4000
Fuel
7.1
11.26
Towing
1400
650
0-100 km/h
4.6
8.4
Engine
1991
1598
Choosing between the MERCEDES A-CLASS and the MINI COOPER is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The MERCEDES A-CLASS delivers 265kW@6000 while the MINI COOPER produces 125kW@6000. On fuel, the A-CLASS returns 7.1 while the COOPER uses 11.26 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R604 117 for the A-CLASS 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
265kW@6000
125kW@6000
Torque
450Nm@2250
220Nm@4000
0-100 kph
4.6
8.4
Top Speed
250
220
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1991
1598
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
UNLEADED
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
MANUAL
Number of Gears
7
6
Drive Wheels
ALL
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✗
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.1
11.26
Fuel Consumption Urban
9.1
14.82
Fuel Consumption Highway
5.9
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
56
50
CO2 Emissions
165
—
Dimensions
Length
3838
3655
Width
1764
1925
Height
1593
1416
Wheelbase
2568
2467
Ground Clearance
—
113
Kerb Weight
1555
1235
Doors
5
3
Seats
5
4
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1400
650
Load Capacity
1157
670
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
Optional
✗
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✗
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Satellite Navigation
Optional
Optional
Park Distance Rear
Optional
Optional
Park Distance Front
Optional
✗
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
Optional
Electric Seat Adjustment
Optional
✗
Keyless Entry
✗
✗
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
24
24
Warranty Distance
—
—
Service Plan
M
M
Service Intervals
30000
25000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
MERCEDES A-CLASS
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
A-CLASS
Value
COOPER
Practicality
A-CLASS
Pros & Cons
MERCEDES A-CLASS
Better fuel economy (7.1)
Higher towing capacity (1400)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.6s)
Higher starting price
MINI COOPER
Lower starting price (R250 350)
Higher fuel consumption (11.26)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A-CLASS or COOPER?
The A-CLASS uses 7.1 and the COOPER uses 11.26 on the combined cycle. The A-CLASS 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 A-CLASS or COOPER?
The A-CLASS produces 265kW@6000 and 450Nm@2250 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 A-CLASS and COOPER?
The A-CLASS starts from R604 117 and the COOPER from R250 350. The COOPER is cheaper by R353 767 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the A-CLASS or COOPER?
The A-CLASS has a braked towing capacity of 1400 and the COOPER can tow 650. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the A-CLASS 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.