Mazda 3 hands down. Much better for highway and everyday driving. And you have to live with that car. The mini interior looks like my child designed it
@@asog88 I have to disagree, respectively. I currently own a 2021 Cooper S, while my wife owns the Mazda 3 2021. I drive both on a daily basis, and I without a doubt prefer the Cooper S. Starting with exterior design, you can’t beat the uniqueness of the Mini. Whether you’re a fan of it or not, you recognize the Mini from a mile away. The interior, is definitively unlike any other vehicle. Again, whether you’re a fan of it or not, you can clearly see the design team went out of their way to make something completely different from anything else on the market. The handling on the Mini is superior to that of the 3. Sharp corners, windy roads, you name it and the Mini will do it with ease. Then the weight. The twin turbo engine might not be impressive to all, but when you take into the consideration the Minis compact design and weight, you can instantly feel the power you get from the car. It tends to surprise everyone who gets behind the wheel of one. Again, this is just my opinion. And the great thing about the car market is that there’s options for everyone. But I have to say that living for the Mini for over 2 years now, I can confidently say it’s the most fun car I’ve ever owned or driven. And I recommend everyone trying one out at some point.
I’m an ad guy. Mazda’s old tag line, “Zoom-zoom,” never referred to outright speed or performance; Mazda’s have never been particularly “fast” cars. Rather, “Zoom-zoom” properly reflected the fun & joy one gets from driving a Mazda. (Besides being a song, the line was actually meant to evoke something a child might say when sitting behind the wheel, having FUN just making believe their driving a car. Mazda was gently, playfully telling us that driving a Mazda brings out that pure, innocent sense of “fun” that children experience when they play.) Historically, Mazda has tried (and succeeded) in building cars that were a bit more “fun to drive” than the competition. Not in ways measurable with a stopwatch, but in a more subtle, (yet no less “real”) way that transcends numbers. That’s what “Zoom-zoom” referred to. That same philosophy is reflected today in “Driving matters”.
@@horizons2358 No, lol, but I’m an advertising copywriter; I’m well versed in what tag lines mean, why they’re chosen, and how they’re meant to convey the company’s position in the marketplace. In Mazda’s case, for years now, it’s all about FUN - our cars are engaging, fun-to-drive vehicles that are meant to make driving joyful. That’s how Mazda sees themselves; it’s the “thing” that distinguishes them from the competition. Happily, their product generally delivers on that count, and has for years.
@@Saboda53 I had a Mazda durning the zoom zoom days. It was a fun car to drive. It had pretty bad gas millage. It was broken into 3 times because people are jealous goons. I had window tint on it too and got pulled over a bunch of times. I don’t think I would get another Mazda however
Many people have an opinion about Mini's than have never driven one. I've owned a Cooper S ( 10 years), I have owned a Mazda 3 (in fact two of them) and a Honda Civic. Hands down the Mini Cooper was the most fun to drive, even on long trips. The Honda was a huge disappointment! The Mini had a few minor issues but I put 125K miles on it. MINI now as a brand is in the top 10 most reliable cars according to JD Power and Consumer Reports.
… also, you just compared the higher trim Mazda offers of their 3 which is the “turbo” model, should’ve compared to the highest trim mini offers of their cooper which is the JCW trim. The Cooper S may performs as good (better inmo) as the M3T, but the JCW would just mop the floor with it.
The Mazda 3 has a much nicer and better insulated interior than the Mini, including the JCW. The JCW is significantly more expensive than the most expensive M3. Also, how can the JCW "mop the floor with it" when it doesn't have more power or torque? Yes, it's lighter and I 100% agree that the Mini (JCW or not) drives better around twisting roads but it'll be closer than you think (nevermind straight lines). I think you underestimate just how fast the Mazda 3 turbo is. Try it before you knock it.
I really don’t think the Mazda’s interior is any nicer than mini’s, not to mention the JCW, better insulated maybe, but how much better? The reason why JCW is significantly more expensive than a M3T is because Mini is a premium brand, and they’re just better overall, which I pointed out in my comments before. Also, JCW definitely mops the floor with it, as you said the mini is lighter and drives better on corners, but also breaks better, at least the JCW does. People don’t even bring Mazda 3s to the track, they’re too slow on the corners, too bulky and heavy too keep up with JCWs and GTIs. Straight line, sure, Mazda can have that, but the facts are nobody perpetually drives on a straight line. I’m not underestimating the Mazda’s speed, I’m just pointing out; one that mini is a premium brand, Mazda is not, and two that any 3 door Mini Cooper S or JCW drives better than a Mazda 3 turbo, anytime. But yeah, Mazdas are great automobiles, I don’t need to try it tho, I can see they do not offer the driving experiences I look after on a car. If you want to compare Mazda 3 T to their premium brand equivalent (not price match/equivalent) you should try putting it against the Giulietta, Audi a1 sline, Mercedes A class, bmw 1 series. There are plenty, and they all would probably beat the Mazda’s numbers too. Again, great car but nothing more. Thanks for replying to my comment, I did enjoy watching the content.
I made a similar decision and cross shopped the Mazda CX-5/CX-30 turbo and Mini Countryman. Ended up with a Mini since I wanted something different. Both good cars, although for the average person a Mazda might be a better choice. If you value fun behind the wheel though, I think the Mini wins, especially if you opt for the JCW.
I test drove (and did video reviews) on all three of those cars, including the JCW. You're right, the Mini Countryman drives the best out of all of those. The interior is not quite on par in my opinion to the CX-5 but I genuinely had more fun in that than the CX-5. How has the reliability been with your Countryman?
Another great comparison. I’d love to see more Mazda 3 turbo vs luxury brands. I keep seeing the non turbo version compared to the German brands and it just doesn’t make sense. Would love to see you grab that territory
Thank you! I'll definitely try to do another one. My next Mazda vs luxury/premium brand video is going to be the 2022 CX5 vs the 2022 Acura RDX. But that one won't be for another couple of months. It's the only time I was able to book the cars.
Thanks for the review. Great job! 👍 Next time, be sure to let viewers know that these 2 vehicles come in manual transmission (Mazda non turbo version only). That can make a world of difference to those who prefer that type of transmission!
@@randomdude6190 True, but I have talked with other auto journalists in my area and sometimes a car may have problems even before it reaches 5,000 km. Not starting, infotainment not working, strange noises while driving etc.
You seem to have a lot more headroom than I would have thought. I am 6'5" and I tried a test sit in a Mazda 3 and found my head hitting the roof. The seat was as low as it would go. Maybe I need to slouch more?
@@SuperErickelrojo I had a 2009 mini clubman which had a sunroof and I could fit (barely) and my dad had a 1972 MG convertible which I could also fit. I think the British may have really invented the tardis in WW2.
Which compact car would you pick? The Mazda 3 or the Mini Cooper?
Mazda 3 hands down. Much better for highway and everyday driving. And you have to live with that car. The mini interior looks like my child designed it
@@asog88 I have to disagree, respectively. I currently own a 2021 Cooper S, while my wife owns the Mazda 3 2021. I drive both on a daily basis, and I without a doubt prefer the Cooper S. Starting with exterior design, you can’t beat the uniqueness of the Mini. Whether you’re a fan of it or not, you recognize the Mini from a mile away. The interior, is definitively unlike any other vehicle. Again, whether you’re a fan of it or not, you can clearly see the design team went out of their way to make something completely different from anything else on the market. The handling on the Mini is superior to that of the 3. Sharp corners, windy roads, you name it and the Mini will do it with ease. Then the weight. The twin turbo engine might not be impressive to all, but when you take into the consideration the Minis compact design and weight, you can instantly feel the power you get from the car. It tends to surprise everyone who gets behind the wheel of one. Again, this is just my opinion. And the great thing about the car market is that there’s options for everyone. But I have to say that living for the Mini for over 2 years now, I can confidently say it’s the most fun car I’ve ever owned or driven. And I recommend everyone trying one out at some point.
I’m an ad guy. Mazda’s old tag line, “Zoom-zoom,” never referred to outright speed or performance; Mazda’s have never been particularly “fast” cars. Rather, “Zoom-zoom” properly reflected the fun & joy one gets from driving a Mazda. (Besides being a song, the line was actually meant to evoke something a child might say when sitting behind the wheel, having FUN just making believe their driving a car. Mazda was gently, playfully telling us that driving a Mazda brings out that pure, innocent sense of “fun” that children experience when they play.)
Historically, Mazda has tried (and succeeded) in building cars that were a bit more “fun to drive” than the competition. Not in ways measurable with a stopwatch, but in a more subtle, (yet no less “real”) way that transcends numbers. That’s what “Zoom-zoom” referred to. That same philosophy is reflected today in “Driving matters”.
Thanks for the insight Richard!
Do you work for Mazda?😑
@@horizons2358 No, lol, but I’m an advertising copywriter; I’m well versed in what tag lines mean, why they’re chosen, and how they’re meant to convey the company’s position in the marketplace. In Mazda’s case, for years now, it’s all about FUN - our cars are engaging, fun-to-drive vehicles that are meant to make driving joyful. That’s how Mazda sees themselves; it’s the “thing” that distinguishes them from the competition. Happily, their product generally delivers on that count, and has for years.
@@Saboda53 I had a Mazda durning the zoom zoom days. It was a fun car to drive. It had pretty bad gas millage. It was broken into 3 times because people are jealous goons. I had window tint on it too and got pulled over a bunch of times. I don’t think I would get another Mazda however
@@chocolatewheelchair what do you drive now. This latest generation of the 3 really is a game changer
Many people have an opinion about Mini's than have never driven one. I've owned a Cooper S ( 10 years), I have owned a Mazda 3 (in fact two of them) and a Honda Civic. Hands down the Mini Cooper was the most fun to drive, even on long trips. The Honda was a huge disappointment! The Mini had a few minor issues but I put 125K miles on it. MINI now as a brand is in the top 10 most reliable cars according to JD Power and Consumer Reports.
The cooper S looks unique.
It is!
That it does. Biased as a former Cooper S owner, but I will pick the 2 door over the this 4 door everytime.
@@joachimrayos4337 4 door more practical like putting extra laguage in the back or groceries
Mz3 all day everyday!
Mini cooper all day
Mini isn’t “aiming” to be in the premium vehicles segment. Mini IS a premium brand. Mazda is not.
… also, you just compared the higher trim Mazda offers of their 3 which is the “turbo” model, should’ve compared to the highest trim mini offers of their cooper which is the JCW trim. The Cooper S may performs as good (better inmo) as the M3T, but the JCW would just mop the floor with it.
The Mazda 3 has a much nicer and better insulated interior than the Mini, including the JCW. The JCW is significantly more expensive than the most expensive M3. Also, how can the JCW "mop the floor with it" when it doesn't have more power or torque? Yes, it's lighter and I 100% agree that the Mini (JCW or not) drives better around twisting roads but it'll be closer than you think (nevermind straight lines). I think you underestimate just how fast the Mazda 3 turbo is. Try it before you knock it.
I really don’t think the Mazda’s interior is any nicer than mini’s, not to mention the JCW, better insulated maybe, but how much better?
The reason why JCW is significantly more expensive than a M3T is because Mini is a premium brand, and they’re just better overall, which I pointed out in my comments before. Also, JCW definitely mops the floor with it, as you said the mini is lighter and drives better on corners, but also breaks better, at least the JCW does. People don’t even bring Mazda 3s to the track, they’re too slow on the corners, too bulky and heavy too keep up with JCWs and GTIs. Straight line, sure, Mazda can have that, but the facts are nobody perpetually drives on a straight line.
I’m not underestimating the Mazda’s speed, I’m just pointing out; one that mini is a premium brand, Mazda is not, and two that any 3 door Mini Cooper S or JCW drives better than a Mazda 3 turbo, anytime. But yeah, Mazdas are great automobiles, I don’t need to try it tho, I can see they do not offer the driving experiences I look after on a car. If you want to compare Mazda 3 T to their premium brand equivalent (not price match/equivalent) you should try putting it against the Giulietta, Audi a1 sline, Mercedes A class, bmw 1 series. There are plenty, and they all would probably beat the Mazda’s numbers too. Again, great car but nothing more.
Thanks for replying to my comment, I did enjoy watching the content.
Hey you know what, great fricken job good buddies. Keep at it and I hope your channel grows. That shot at 14:57 is absolutely phenomenal.
Thank you! Appreciate the feedback
I made a similar decision and cross shopped the Mazda CX-5/CX-30 turbo and Mini Countryman. Ended up with a Mini since I wanted something different. Both good cars, although for the average person a Mazda might be a better choice. If you value fun behind the wheel though, I think the Mini wins, especially if you opt for the JCW.
I test drove (and did video reviews) on all three of those cars, including the JCW. You're right, the Mini Countryman drives the best out of all of those. The interior is not quite on par in my opinion to the CX-5 but I genuinely had more fun in that than the CX-5.
How has the reliability been with your Countryman?
@@MGReviewsBlog TBD! I ordered my JCW countryman back in June and finally got delivery confirmation for mid December.
@@MiniJCW22 oh wow, very long wait time!
@@MiniJCW22 what’s your payment on it?
Another great comparison. I’d love to see more Mazda 3 turbo vs luxury brands. I keep seeing the non turbo version compared to the German brands and it just doesn’t make sense. Would love to see you grab that territory
Thank you! I'll definitely try to do another one. My next Mazda vs luxury/premium brand video is going to be the 2022 CX5 vs the 2022 Acura RDX. But that one won't be for another couple of months. It's the only time I was able to book the cars.
cooper for performance and look (and... exhaust sound )
M3 for sure!!!
The benefit of a small car is that it’s small:)
Compare mini with A class please..which would you pick?
Between those two, the Mini if it's an A220. If it's the A250, then it would be the Mercedes
Thanks for the review. Great job! 👍 Next time, be sure to let viewers know that these 2 vehicles come in manual transmission (Mazda non turbo version only). That can make a world of difference to those who prefer that type of transmission!
Thanks! I thought I did with the little pop ups at the bottom when I talk about the transmissions in each car.
Great video I was actually deciding between these two! I went with MINI
Fun to drive car isn't it? Thanks for watching!
@@MGReviewsBlog Super fun!
Natural aspirated m3 is quick enough for regular driving. Plus more reliable than turbo car.
The main difference is you are cool if you drive a mini. The rest is irrelevant.
Cooper will break down in no time!
I didn't have any issues with it while I had it. Granted it was for only one week.
@@MGReviewsBlog he meant long term reliability
@@randomdude6190 yes I figured. I'm just saying that while it was in my possession, it never skipped a beat.
@@MGReviewsBlog they typically dont break down until the warranty is out after 4 years
@@randomdude6190 True, but I have talked with other auto journalists in my area and sometimes a car may have problems even before it reaches 5,000 km. Not starting, infotainment not working, strange noises while driving etc.
You seem to have a lot more headroom than I would have thought. I am 6'5" and I tried a test sit in a Mazda 3 and found my head hitting the roof. The seat was as low as it would go. Maybe I need to slouch more?
It could be the angle of the backrest. Maybe I have it at a bit more of an angle than upright. That would give the illusion of more Headroom.
I'm 6'4 and I get a lot of free space inside my MINI, it's like a doctor who's tardis (front seats...).
@@SuperErickelrojo I had a 2009 mini clubman which had a sunroof and I could fit (barely) and my dad had a 1972 MG convertible which I could also fit. I think the British may have really invented the tardis in WW2.
Did you shoot this video in Tuxedo Park? :D Just curious.
No it was not. It was at Ioco field near Vancouver
Mazada 3 😍
Mazda 3
M3
The matzo threeh
This is almost an insulting comparison. The Mazda 3 is just an objectively better car, that's made much, much better.
Minis have always been rigid to drive and is not a great experience at all. Mazdas have always been smooth ride from other reviews.