MINI Cooper vs Fiat 500: Compare by Reg (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of the MINI Cooper and Fiat 500, covering MOT pass rates, estimated running costs, typical issues, and overall reliability. Based on 960,270 MOT tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included).
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Quick Verdict
The MINI Cooper is the clear winner in this comparison, with a significantly higher MOT pass rate of 90% compared to 79% for the Fiat 500. It is more likely to pass its MOT without issues and should cost less in unexpected repairs. If reliability is your top priority, the MINI Cooper is the better choice.
MINI Cooper
90%
MOT pass rate
385,407 tests
More reliableFiat 500
79%
MOT pass rate
574,863 tests
Full Comparison: MINI Cooper vs Fiat 500
| Category | MINI Cooper | Fiat 500 |
|---|---|---|
| MOT Pass Rate | 90%Winner | 79% |
| MOT Fail Rate | 10%Winner | 21% |
| vs All-Model Avg | +8 ptsWinner | -3 pts |
| Est. Fuel Cost (petrol, 8,000 mi/yr) | £1,512 | £1,512 |
| Est. Insurance Group | 10-20 | 6-15 |
| Est. Depreciation/yr | £1,200-£2,200 | £1,200-£2,200 |
| Engine Size | 1.6L | 1.4L |
| Fuel Type(s) | Petrol, Diesel | Diesel, Petrol |
| Segment | Small family car | Small family car |
| Avg Mileage | 67,213 mi | 54,579 miWinner |
| MOT Tests Analysed | 385,407 | 574,863 |
| Model Years | 23 years | 16 years |
| Best Year | 2021 (94%)Winner | 2021 (93%) |
| Worst Year | 2002 (65%) | 2007 (72%)Winner |
| Reliability Trend | Improving | Improving |
Pass rates are the share of MOT tests that ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included), across all years of each model. Best and worst years need at least 100 tests. Fuel cost, insurance group and depreciation are our rough estimates from engine size and make, not official figures.
Common Problems Comparison
Typical issues to check on cars of this type and age, not faults measured for these models.
MINI Cooper: Typical Issues to Check
- •DPF and emissions issues (diesel models)
- •Suspension wear on older models
- •Lighting defects (common on all cars)
Fiat 500: Typical Issues to Check
- •DPF and emissions issues (diesel models)
- •Suspension wear on older models
- •Lighting defects (common on all cars)
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MINI Cooper vs Fiat 500 FAQ
Can I compare a MINI Cooper and Fiat 500 by registration plate?
Yes. Enter each car's UK registration plate on this page or use our free compare tool at carcostcheck.co.uk/compare to see MOT history, mileage, health scores and running costs for the exact vehicles you are considering, not just model averages.
Which is more reliable, the MINI Cooper or Fiat 500?
The MINI Cooper has the higher MOT pass rate, 90% compared to 79% for the Fiat 500 (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included).
Which is cheaper to run, the MINI Cooper or Fiat 500?
At 8,000 miles per year, the MINI Cooper costs around £1,512 in fuel, while the Fiat 500 costs around £1,512 (our estimates for petrol versions from average engine size, with fuel at GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026). On these estimates they cost the same in fuel. Insurance, depreciation, and repair costs also factor into total running costs.
Should I buy a MINI Cooper or Fiat 500?
The MINI Cooper is the clear winner in this comparison, with a significantly higher MOT pass rate of 90% compared to 79% for the Fiat 500. It is more likely to pass its MOT without issues and should cost less in unexpected repairs. If reliability is your top priority, the MINI Cooper is the better choice.
MINI Cooper Running Costs
Full breakdown of annual costs, reliability, and MOT data
Fiat 500 Running Costs
Full breakdown of annual costs, reliability, and MOT data
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