MINI Convertible vs Subaru Outback
Verdict
The MINI Convertible is the indulgent one: RM318,888 buys a four-seat drop-top with 204 hp, 300 Nm and a sharp 6.9-second 0-100 km/h time. The Subaru Outback is RM280,390 and far more practical, with five seats, a 522-litre boot, all-wheel drive and a five-year warranty. For a Malaysian buyer, the RM38,498 gap does not buy more space or warranty in the MINI; it buys pace, a smaller footprint and the convertible body.
Pick the MINI Convertible if you want the quicker, smaller four-seat car, with 204 hp, 300 Nm and 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds.
Pick the Subaru Outback if you need five seats, a 522-litre boot, all-wheel drive and a five-year warranty.
Key differences
- Price: MINI Convertible RM318,888; Subaru Outback RM280,390
- Power and torque: MINI Convertible 204 hp/300 Nm; Subaru Outback 185 hp/245 Nm
- Acceleration and top speed: MINI Convertible 0-100 km/h in 6.9 s/237 km/h; Subaru Outback 9.6 s/206 km/h
- Drivetrain: MINI Convertible front-wheel drive with wet dual-clutch automatic; Subaru Outback all-wheel drive with CVT automatic
- Size and boot: MINI Convertible 3,879 mm long/215 L; Subaru Outback 4,870 mm long/522 L
- Warranty and road tax: MINI Convertible 2 years/RM379 yearly; Subaru Outback 5 years/RM878 yearly
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 318,888 | RM 280,390✓ |
| Body type | Convertible | Wagon |
| Segment | B-Segment | D-Segment |
| Seats | 4 | 5 |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine | 1,998 cc | 2,498 cc |
| Power | 204 hp✓ | 185 hp |
| Torque | 300 Nm✓ | 245 Nm |
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | CVT Automatic |
| Driven wheels | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 6.9 s✓ | 9.6 s |
| Top speed | 237 km/h✓ | 206 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 3,879 mm | 4,870 mm |
| Width | 1,744 mm | 1,875 mm |
| Height | 1,431 mm | 1,682 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,495 mm | 2,745 mm |
| Boot space | 215 L | 522 L✓ |
| Fuel tank | 44 L | 63 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 | 7✓ |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 2 | 5✓ |
| Road tax / year | RM 379✓ | RM 878 |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Convertible
- Quicker 6.9-second 0-100 km/h time
- More power and torque at 204 hp and 300 Nm
- Shorter 3,879 mm body is easier to place than the 4,870 mm Subaru
- Costs RM38,498 more
- Only four seats and 215 litres of boot space
- Shorter two-year warranty
Outback
- Five seats and a 522-litre boot
- All-wheel drive as standard
- Longer five-year warranty
- Slower 9.6-second 0-100 km/h time
- Higher yearly road tax at RM878
- Larger 4,870 mm length needs more room
Convertible vs Outback FAQ
Is the MINI Convertible or Subaru Outback better?
The Subaru Outback is the better all-rounder because it has five seats, a 522-litre boot, all-wheel drive and a five-year warranty. The MINI Convertible is better if pace and open-top motoring matter more than space.
What is the price difference?
The MINI Convertible costs RM38,498 more than the Subaru Outback. That extra spend buys stronger performance and the convertible body, not extra seats, boot space or warranty cover.
Which is faster, the MINI Convertible or Subaru Outback?
The MINI Convertible is clearly faster, with 204 hp, 300 Nm, a 6.9-second 0-100 km/h time and 237 km/h top speed. The Subaru Outback has 185 hp, 245 Nm, does 0-100 km/h in 9.6 seconds and tops out at 206 km/h.