2022 MINI Cooper vs 2023 Acura Integra

The 2022 MINI Cooper, refreshed for the model year, retained its iconic charm with a modern twist. It featured restyled bumpers, a new grille, and standard LED headlights, complemented by the car's distinctive Union Jack taillights. The MINI's design was further enhanced with new paint colours and extended Piano Black Exterior treatment. Inside, the MINI offered a blend of retro style and modern technology, with a new steering wheel and an upgraded infotainment system. Despite its playful appearance, the MINI Convertible's proportions remained awkward, and its design prioritized form over function, resulting in a cluttered interior.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura Integra presented a cohesive design language that aligned with Acura's larger models. With its pentagonal grille, JewelEye headlights, and sharp character lines, the Integra seamlessly fit into the Acura family. The Integra replaced the ILX compact sedan, offering a five-door liftback design that provided a solid, planted look. Inside, the Integra shared some similarities with the Honda Civic but maintained its unique identity with a logical dashboard layout and quality materials. The Elite A-Spec trim added premium touches, although it lacked the bespoke refinement of its German competitors.

The 2022 MINI Cooper offered a choice of engines, starting with a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder producing 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 8.7 seconds. The Cooper S variant featured a more powerful 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. The JCW models pushed performance further with 235 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds. Despite its spirited performance, the MINI's steering and brake feel were less precise, and its handling was not as sharp as expected.

The 2023 Acura Integra introduced a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine, delivering 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a six-speed manual transmission, the Integra offered a lively driving experience with features like automatic rev-matching and a limited-slip differential. The Integra's handling impressed with its wide track and long wheelbase, providing a planted feel through corners. The variable-ratio electric power-steering system offered a natural feel on highways and sharp responsiveness in corners. The Integra's suspension balanced sportiness with comfort, although it lacked all-wheel drive for snowy conditions.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible prioritized style over practicality, with comfortable front seats but cramped rear seats. The trunk offered just 147 litres of space, accessible through a bottom-hinged lid. Interior storage was limited, with controls consuming valuable space. While the MINI's compact size was expected, it lacked the practicality of other MINI models with more passenger and cargo space.

The 2023 Acura Integra's liftback design provided practicality with 688 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats. However, the high lift-over height made loading heavy items challenging. The Integra offered a comfortable interior with a logical dashboard layout and ample front-seat storage. Rear passengers enjoyed decent legroom, but headroom was limited due to the sloped roofline. Despite these limitations, the Integra's interior was well-suited for daily use.

The 2022 MINI Cooper featured a new MINI Connected infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen display, offering Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM. The system's LED lighting and graphics changed with vehicle settings. A digital instrument cluster and optional head-up display were available, along with a Harman Kardon sound system. The infotainment system, based on BMW's iDrive, provided a user-friendly experience, although it lacked Android Auto.

The 2023 Acura Integra came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. The Elite A-Spec trim added a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, and a head-up display. The ELS Studio 3D premium audio system with 16 speakers offered impressive sound quality. The Integra's technology package was comprehensive, especially in the Elite A-Spec trim, providing a seamless and modern experience.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible included standard Driving Assistant technology with forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but blind-spot monitoring was unavailable. The lack of crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS made it difficult to assess its safety performance.

The 2023 Acura Integra set a high standard for safety with features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Elite A-Spec trim added low-speed braking control and parking sensors. The Integra received a Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA, highlighting its strong safety credentials.