[lslmini]

Have been a member for a number of years - don't post just read - on my 2d MINI an '05 MCS and am approaching 60,000 miles. I've had great experience with both carsConsidering trading on a new S and was curious how I'll find the turbo vs the supercharger and (my wife's request) if the automatic is worthy of consideration. Also any other significant changes - good or bad - that I should look forward to.

Would appreciate some input - especially any of you who have gone from the old to the new MINI.

Cheers,

lslmini

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Unfortunately, threads discussing the relative merits of the supercharged and turbocharged MCS's tend to get a little, erm, controversial and just a little heated There are definitely some very strong feelings on both sides here

I don't think it's too controversial to say that they are very different in character (it's not just "an-old-MCS-but-better") and you will need a good long test drive to make your own mind up. I've made up my own mind, but you might view things very differently

Tigger.

[msh441]

Exactly what Tig said. They are too different in overall charactor and behavior to suggest there's an obvious answer. Figure out what you want out of the car. Drive both. Decide for yourself.

As far as auto vs. manual... I've never driven an auto box that was as involving or as fun to drive as a manual. Now that said... during the R56S release in Arizona the auto cars were actually faster for everyone around the autocross course than the manual. The manual is just more fun to drive and more controllable using compression off-throttle for subtle weight transitions.

Either way you go, they are terrificlly fun cars. Enjoy.