Maybe you’re not a secret agent chasing the bad guys around picturesque European cities, but the right car can turn a dull commute into a thrilling dash through the city. So, put together your favorite action-thriller playlist, and let’s see if your spy car style is chic Italian or cool British with a hint of German.

Iconic Style

Whether you’re looking for a dashing, city-savvy style or you just want something cute, the European styling of the Fiat and MINI Cooper offers a lot of personality in a little package. Both sport a front fascia that’s non-aggressive and even a little impish looking. Their Euro-inspired sub-compact size makes them not only makes them fuel-sippers but they’re also ideal for navigating the busy city streets.

2-Door, 4-Door, Hardtop, Ragtop

You’ve got choices with the Fiat 500 and the MINI Cooper. Like the feel of the wind in your hair? Each car is available as a hardtop (with an available sunroof) or convertible. It’s worth bearing in mind that, in both the 500 and the Cooper, you’ll lose a lot of trunk space with the ragtop, so if you need space for your belongings, you may have to stash your stuff in the back seat.

Whether you choose a two-door or four-door will largely depend on whether you want easy access to the back seat for passengers and belongings, or you want a car that’s small enough to fit into just about any parking space.

Modern Comfort in a Retro Package

Both the Fiat and MINI have found a way to combine modern comfort and convenience with the classic style that gives their cars such excellent curb appeal. You’ll find clean, uncluttered dashboards with round instrument gauges and controls. Even the infotainment system touchscreen panels maintain the rounded look that makes today’s technology blend seamlessly with retro style.

For overall interior ambiance, the two cars have very distinct personalities. The Cooper leans more toward the English estate aesthetic, cozy with leather (or leather-like) appointments, while the 500’s dashboard color matches the exterior paint scheme for a brighter, more playful look.

When you compare passenger and cargo space, the two cars offer roughly the same amount of wiggle room for you and your passengers. Depending on the specific models of the Fiat and MINI you’re comparing, one may give you an extra half-inch of legroom or headroom. With its higher body slope, the Fiat makes it easier for taller people to get in and out without risking a concussion by whacking their head on the doorframe. But whether you choose the MINI or the Fiat, the back seat is going to feel snug for many adult-size passengers.

If passenger and cargo space is on your priority list, look at the Fiat 500L and MINI Cooper Countryman models. The Fiat offers more cargo room (22.4 cubic feet) behind the back row compared to the MINI’s 17.6 cubes. Both cars have 60/40 split-fold rear seats, so you can configure the interior to accommodate your friends and your stuff. With both seats folded, the MINI Cooper maxes out at 47.6 cubic feet, while the Fiat 500L gives you 68.

Which Has More Swagger?

Every day you’re hustlin’, and you don’t want a car keeping you back. The Fiat and the MINI both deliver an engaging experience behind the wheel with manual transmission options available.

Both cars come with standard front-wheel drive with sport-tuned suspensions that make even the most mundane commute more exciting while staying composed when you’re rounding tight corners and driving on wet pavement. And for drivers who like to get off the beaten path every so often, both offer all-wheel-drive options.

When it comes to pure power, the Fiat’s performance-enhanced Abarth puts the sting on the competition with a spry 160-horsepower engine cranking out 170 pound-feet of torque. The MINI’s three-cylinder powertrain lags behind, making 162 pound-feet of torque with 134 horsepower. You’ll get a couple of extra MPG from the Cooper’s smaller powertrain, but when you want more get up and go, you’ll be happier behind the wheel of the Fiat.

Fiat vs. MINI Cooper: The Bottom Line

Getting the most for your money was cool even before a global pandemic started to wreak havoc on everyone’s budget. When you walk into a dealership with your wish list of features, the last thing you want is to have to compromise or spend hours haggling to get the creature comforts and performance upgrades you want without breaking the bank.

Comparing Costs

The Fiat 500L starts at $22,500 and the 500X lists for $24,590. In comparison, the MINI Cooper Countryman—the competitive model to the 500L—will cost you several thousand more, starting at $29,100. The two-door Cooper lists for $22,400—roughly the same as the 500X—but the MSRP skyrockets quickly from there.

While the MINI might save you a few bucks at the gas pump, the Fiat’s lower maintenance and insurance costs make it a better deal over your first five years of ownership.

So, Which One is Your Action Thriller Ride?

When you compare the features of the Fiat vs. MINI Cooper, the two vehicles are pretty competitive. The British MINI offers a somewhat more luxurious aesthetic, while the Italian 500 has the personality to turn heads everywhere you go. When it comes down to performance and your bottom line, the Fiat noses out the MINI with a more dynamic driving experience and lower overall cost to own.