Who also has an MINI Cooper S?

Barnabas · Sat, Apr-16-2005, 04:49:43 AM

I'm set on exchanging my MCS for an M3 and was curious on how people with an M3 thought of the MCS. I find my car more wanting in power and balance, but want to know how much better the M3 is. Is the M3 feel just that much more faster and more fun to drive?

flabmaster · Sat, Apr-16-2005, 06:24:34 AM

As for an M3 owner's opinion of the mini, I like it. It seems like an overall great car for it's price point. I've never driven a Mini Cooper S, but you'll definitely notice a huge power difference, that's for sure. I've heard from some guys that the M3 doesn't feel as nimble, which sounds about right since the Mini is a lot lighter. However, I think rear wheel drive is more fun than front wheel, just my opinion. Go out, test drive an M3 (in both SMG and 6 speed manual so you get a feel for both tranny styles) and then let us know what you think.
Best of luck,
-Dave

X350 · Sat, Apr-16-2005, 07:25:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barnabas

I'm set on exchanging my MCS for an M3 and was curious on how people with an M3 thought of the MCS. I find my car more wanting in power and balance, but want to know how much better the M3 is. Is the M3 feel just that much more faster and more fun to drive?

I love mine

Its a nice change of pace from my M3.

I found that adding SC pulley / Exhaust / ECU / Intake and suspension upgrades on my S made it ALOT more fun to drive.

Johnny225 · Sat, Apr-16-2005, 07:30:30 AM

I've got a 2004 MINI Cooper S. You'll find that the M3's steering feel is almost lethargic compared to the MINI, unless you get the ZCP, but the power is amazing. Test drive an M3. They are two very different cars, but there's something to be said for a car that can keep up with GT3's and Ferraris(the M3, lol! The MINI would in the corners)

Drifter · Sat, Apr-16-2005, 07:36:42 AM

My Mom owns a Mini Cooper S all stock for now. And I find it has great handling and it just needs some power to follow its dive into the corners. Also it would help if it was rear wheel drive.

Rev8k · Sat, Apr-16-2005, 01:35:45 PM

The Mini Cooper S is slow. My co-worker took us for a spin in his. He gunned it, and we just laughed at him...

Super Gyros · Sat, Apr-16-2005, 01:40:53 PM

I tried to persuade my fiancee get one. She wanted a roadster and got the TT. I love the Mini and the wide aftermarket options for upgrading it!

BestBMWCustomer · Sat, Apr-16-2005, 02:56:30 PM

Great thread idea.

I have not driven it (would like to), but everything I hear/read about it says BMW has done a great job with this car. (It reminds me of Dr. Who's phonebooth - bigger on the inside than on the outside.)

Does anyone know more of the history, etc. of the Mini? I know it is a British company and the car is still made in England, but I'm curious about such things as:

How long has BMW owned the company?
Who did they buy it from?
Has the Mini been in continuous production? (I seem to remember hearing that BMW resurected it.)
What kind of volume do they sell (US & worldwide)?
What does the selling price start at?
Are standard Minis still available or are they all 'S' versions now?

Thanks

Irrenarzt · Sat, Apr-16-2005, 03:24:25 PM

I had one, but sold it to put down money on my house. It was a sweet track car. Wish I could have developed it further.

EatAudis4Lunch · Sat, Apr-16-2005, 03:44:27 PM

The Mini Cooper S is way easier to drive than the M3. Don't get me wrong, the M3 performs better in every single way (and I like it way better than the Mini S) but the combination of a much shorter shifter and way less clutch travel make the Mini S easier to drive. Also, there are none of the lurches when upshifting or downshifting that I sometimes encounter in the M3.

Sat, Apr-16-2005, 04:49:43 AM	#1
Barnabas Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 17 Reputation: 0	Who also has an MINI Cooper S? I'm set on exchanging my MCS for an M3 and was curious on how people with an M3 thought of the MCS. I find my car more wanting in power and balance, but want to know how much better the M3 is. Is the M3 feel just that much more faster and more fun to drive?

Sat, Apr-16-2005, 06:24:34 AM	#2
flabmaster Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,442 Reputation: 0 Location: Western NY	As for an M3 owner's opinion of the mini, I like it. It seems like an overall great car for it's price point. I've never driven a Mini Cooper S, but you'll definitely notice a huge power difference, that's for sure. I've heard from some guys that the M3 doesn't feel as nimble, which sounds about right since the Mini is a lot lighter. However, I think rear wheel drive is more fun than front wheel, just my opinion. Go out, test drive an M3 (in both SMG and 6 speed manual so you get a feel for both tranny styles) and then let us know what you think. Best of luck, -Dave __________________ Vehicles: 2002 LSB M3 w/ SMG 2004 Suzuki GSXR 750

Sat, Apr-16-2005, 07:36:42 AM	#5
Drifter Lets talk ;) Join Date: May 2003 Age: 26 Posts: 4,445 Reputation: 0 Location: In a place with Trees....	My Mom owns a Mini Cooper S all stock for now. And I find it has great handling and it just needs some power to follow its dive into the corners. Also it would help if it was rear wheel drive. __________________

Sat, Apr-16-2005, 01:35:45 PM	#6
Rev8k Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Age: 41 Posts: 1,279 Reputation: 0 Location: Long Island	The Mini Cooper S is slow. My co-worker took us for a spin in his. He gunned it, and we just laughed at him... __________________ *-Mike* 2004 TiAg M3 SMG 2004 Sterling Grey X5 3.0

Sat, Apr-16-2005, 01:40:53 PM	#7
Super Gyros Got Idz21? Join Date: Dec 2002 Age: 34 Posts: 21,806 Reputation: 0 Location: Athens	I tried to persuade my fiancee get one. She wanted a roadster and got the TT. I love the Mini and the wide aftermarket options for upgrading it! __________________ Gabriel

Sat, Apr-16-2005, 07:30:30 AM	#4
Johnny225 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 100 Reputation: 0 Location: San Jose	I've got a 2004 MINI Cooper S. You'll find that the M3's steering feel is almost lethargic compared to the MINI, unless you get the ZCP, but the power is amazing. Test drive an M3. They are two very different cars, but there's something to be said for a car that can keep up with GT3's and Ferraris(the M3, lol! The MINI would in the corners)

Sat, Apr-16-2005, 02:56:30 PM	#8
BestBMWCustomer Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 427 Reputation: 0 Location: Chicago/Illinois	Great thread idea. I have not driven it (would like to), but everything I hear/read about it says BMW has done a great job with this car. (It reminds me of Dr. Who's phonebooth - bigger on the inside than on the outside.) Does anyone know more of the history, etc. of the Mini? I know it is a British company and the car is still made in England, but I'm curious about such things as: How long has BMW owned the company? Who did they buy it from? Has the Mini been in continuous production? (I seem to remember hearing that BMW resurected it.) What kind of volume do they sell (US & worldwide)? What does the selling price start at? Are standard Minis still available or are they all 'S' versions now? Thanks __________________ Mike 2005 Silver/Gray, Premium, Cold Weather, Xenon, HK

Sat, Apr-16-2005, 03:24:25 PM	#9
Irrenarzt HNIC Join Date: Apr 2003 Age: 43 Posts: 2,811 Reputation: 0 Location: uranus	I had one, but sold it to put down money on my house. It was a sweet track car. Wish I could have developed it further.

Sat, Apr-16-2005, 03:44:27 PM	#10
EatAudis4Lunch Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 143 Reputation: 0	The Mini Cooper S is way easier to drive than the M3. Don't get me wrong, the M3 performs better in every single way (and I like it way better than the Mini S) but the combination of a much shorter shifter and way less clutch travel make the Mini S easier to drive. Also, there are none of the lurches when upshifting or downshifting that I sometimes encounter in the M3.

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