Your right, some MINI owners can be a little narrow minded when it comes to other makes of car but thats the strong brand loyalty coming out I suppose.
Bit off topic but did you know a popular engine swap on classic Minis is to fit the earlier Suzuki Swift GTI 16v engine & gearbox, you can even buy a special Mini front subframe off the shelf to make the conversion easy. Makes a fun classic car with modern engine........the best of both worlds.
Heres a nice one
16v Mini Club Gallery - Suzuki GTi Mini/Engine bay finsihed