When we first drove the Mini Roadster barely a month ago, we couldn't help but feel that it had, essentially, usurped the place that had until now been taken by the Mini Convertible. The Roadster is, after all, sleeker, more stylish, that much more fun and – for some reason – even a little cheaper ($600 lower MSRP) than the four-seat cabriolet. But does that leave the Convertible without a place in the brand's ever-expanding lineup?

Since both are based on more than just the same platform, the specs are just about identical. That is, except when it comes down to interior space. While the Convertible has a pair of seats in the back – however small, still good for taking the kids for a spin or tossing an extra duffel – the Roadster has none. The Roadster, however, makes up for that with a relatively usable trunk where the Convertible has practically none. The Roadster also weighs 66 pounds less, and has more headroom (up front, of course), though front elbow room takes a three-inch hit.

So with a fresh crop of images released by Mini showing its two droptops side by side, our question is which, if any, you'd choose if you were in the market for a little retro convertible.

Cast your vote in the poll at Autoblog...

 

I just voted. As an owner of the Cabrio, the thought of it being axed is nuts. I personally think that the Roadster is an UGLY car. Nothing MINI about it, more of a bastard AUDI TT.

 

Was going to vote, but the poll is badly (or maliciously) constructed.

There's a choice: "Keep them both, I'd take the Convertible", but the "I'd take the Roadster" choice reads "Cancel the cabrio, I'd take the Roadster".

Looks like the purpose of the poll is to stir up trouble in the MINi community, and allow them to post a result like "Roadster Buyers want the Cabrio Dead!"

My choice is keep them both, I'd take the Roadster. (and I have) But that's not an option on their "poll".

We owned the convertible, and it was a great car. For us the Roadster is an even better fit, and in my subjective view, prettier. But the convertible serves a viable market too!

(and to be honest, neither the Convertible or the Roadster can claim to be like the original MINI - I think only the Hatch can make that assertion with any credibility)

We're all MINI owners here, let's avoid this attempt to bait us.

Don

 

I agree with Don!

 

I saw this, too. I don't understand why they even have the "I wouldn't consider buying either" option. With the many different types of people that frequent that site, it was a given that the "wouldn't consider either" option would be the top choice.

It is almost like they were setting it up to give both of the vehicles a bad spin.

My opinion is that they both have a place in the MINI lineup, and neither should be done away with.

The only thing that will make me angry is if a convertible variant of the countryman is created. Convertible crossovers are such a ridiculous idea.

-Chase

 

Autoblog's troll-baiting for page hits. Whoever created the poll is obviously biased, making each answer conditional instead of a straightforward choice. They know a lot of people like MINI, but they know a helluva lot more of the vocal majority DON'T like MINI.

 

Yeah, the choices are bogus. I think the cabrio is more practical on the "where do I put the cooler to keep it within arm's reach" way. When I decided on the '09, that was a big factor -- I didn't want a 2 seater, partly because having a back seat is useful on occasion, and it's the place to put the cooler on a long trip.