MINI Cooper S vs. Smart MPG

[boater454]

I've had my 2002 MINI cooper S for about 2 years. Driving to and from work, 30 MPH average, hilly, curvy, 2 stops in 4 miles each way. Both with 93 Octane fuel. I also have a Dodge grand Caravan and a Chevy Avalanche. Thought this was interesting.

These are all on the same route over many miles.

MINI = 27 MPG average
Smart = 38 MPG average
Van = 17 MPG
Avalanche = 12 MPG

On interstate the MINI gets 37, van= 25, Avalanche= 19, haven't had the Smart on interstate yet.

[mvaldes]

Our Mini S also gets 37 interstate, the Smart 44

[SuperGeek]

The Mini S is the sporty model, isn't it? A coworker of mine has the 2008 non-S model and says he gets about 45MPG highway. Not bad at all.

[MrVvrroomm]

I've been keeping a spreadsheet with both of these cars. My wife has an '07 MINI Cooper S (turbo-charged). I have a smart fortwo passion.

Over the past month of extreme cold here in Minnesota here are my calculations over 5 fill-ups in each vehicle: 30 mpg MINI Cooper S, 32 mpg smart fortwo.

This is just to show how the extreme cold affects the two, but so much more on the smart.

Normally she gets 32-33ish, I get 37-39ish. We both have nearly an identical commute, same route.

[weezer2282]

I get about 26-27mpg in an '05 Cooper S and 35-40mpg in the Smart. Supercharged and modded MINI's are somewhat pigs.

[KarenS]

I had a 2005 Mini Cooper S with 15,000 miles on it and only got a 21 MPG in the city....of course I have a lead foot!

[jmatero]

we have a 2008 non-S and we're getting over 45mpg on the highway.... and thats cruising 65-70.

[Wdhitch]

Originally Posted by jmatero

we have a 2008 non-S and we're getting over 45mpg on the highway.... and thats cruising 65-70.

I know about 15 - 20 mini owners... none of them get 45mpg.

[epbrown]

Here wee get the Cooper and Cooper S, but isn't there an even lower spec model sold in other countries that gets better mileage?

[SIVARTE]

Yeah they have a diesel in Europe, but...

I need more space and will be selling my smartie and getting a Mini or a Honda Fit. There are a lot more options available in the Mini and Fit.

I just bought a Yakima Roof rack and it works well but I don't want to be caught transporting paper towels from Costco and get a rogue rain shower. We get a lot of those living in South Florida.

If I can get either one that gets 30mpg city, I will be happy. I love my smartie, having invested $3000 in upgrades(wheels/tires/suspension/CF/spoilers/stereo/etc), but it is a pain to have to borrow someone else's vehicle when I need something. I won't be selling it on this forum or on Ebay, it is mostly dealers there. I will try something else.