Yeah, my Cooper pulls hills fine. It is the 5 Speed. If you are leaning towardst he Cooper, I don't think you will be disappointed. Just drive both, then decide. I picked the Cooper because I wasn't worried about HP. I do not get out on the highway much at all, all back roads. So handling was my primary concern. I got my Cooper, added H-Sport springs and rear sway bar, and now my car corners like a champ! Also added a nice R Speed exhaust and BMP intake, S bumpers and grill and aero kit side skirts. And after all of these mods, my total cost is still less than a base S! I have the greenlight from the Mrs. to order an 05 S if I want it, but I won't. The Cooper really is all I need around here, and I have mine done up just the way I want it!
