[minimagyar]

I was about to pull the trigger on an order for an MCS when suddently I started thinking that maybe I just don't need an MCS and an MC would be better in terms of cost and emissions, and just as cool. I am in the US so we can't even test drive those with a manual tranny!

I would like to hear from people who had the same options and yet decided to go with the MC. I drive about 5K a year, some city driving for errands but mostly highway to go to the beach, skiing, visiting friends, etc.

Any help appreciated as I would need to put the MCS order in today!

[The Black Pearl]

The MCS has the superior look about it, It has a beefy feel and if you are only driving 5000 a year, it will be an enjoyable 5000 miles. Don't take anything away from the cooper but the S has a better feel about it.
I am putting serious consideration into one however I do like the 06 S

[djam43]

For your type of driving, go with the MC. Just as much fun and cheaper too. Put the savings into upgrades.

[The Black Pearl]

Pay out the extra chsh and get the upgrades in the Cooper S, + at the beach on a sunny day everyone will be looking at you and the MINI

[minimagyar]

I looked at the 06s extensively, I think the 07s are much better IMO... at least for me. I like the new stereo, suspension, seats and key fob a lot!

i configured both cars and they would be about the same in terms of $$$, as I would add the aerokit to the MC... I don't like the chrome grille....

So I guess my question is more in terms of performance... I usually drive at about 80mph so how much of a difference would it make on the highway, and whether I would regret not having the extra "ooomph" to feel safer battling the SUVs out there, or whether I will be happy with a more fuel efficient car and possibly less tickets

[Cotgo]

I chose the MC because I really think I'd be dead in a couple of months with the S.

[minimagyar]

LOL...

I should take that one into account! I am bad enough on my battered old VW w/115hp... although I have to say the S makes me a more conservative driver if that makes sense... I don't floor it like I do the regular engines...

(where are the laughing histerically smilies when one needs them?)

[mrweasel]

I drove both before I got my MCS and decided that life's too short to not to have more power than I need.

I could get by with just a MC, but why the hell not spend the extra $$$ and get more power, better handling and a non-functional hood scoop

[Lil_Mini]

Since you go to the beach frequently, have you ever considered a Cooper Convertible? It starts at around the same as a MCS.

I also was contemplating a MC after ordering MCS, but then MCS has a lot more features as standard. Better seats, more horsepower, tires/rim, front fog lights. But if these don't really matter for you then you should get the MC and buy aftermarket.

[Robboc]

Quote: Originally Posted by djam43 (original)

For your type of driving, go with the MC. Just as much fun and cheaper too. Put the savings into upgrades.

Just as much fun? Are you sure about that?

My buddy at work put his sensible head on for a while and has had his MC for about 4 months. Since he has driven my MCS he regrets it and is currently looking for one himself.

Go for an S and still pay for upgrades. They will never be able to wipe the smile off your face I guarantee it.

Quote: Originally Posted by Cotgo (original)

I chose the MC because I really think I'd be dead in a couple of months with the S.

That is a very good point though ;-)

[minimagyar]

I currently have a convertible but I don't want another... I am just getting the sunroof.

You can get most of what's on the S on the regular Cooper... w/the sports package... minus the HP of course.

[Lil_Mini]

Yeah; it kind of sounds like you have decided to go for the MC. If you add on sports package, then you are still saving yourself $1750. If the horsepower doesn't mean much to you then go for the MC. I think the best thing to do is to test drive them and see which you like better.

Personally, I don't see what is the point of having an MC and an MCS if everything "unique" to MCS is available for the MC and it's still cheaper on the MC? Besides horsepower of coarse.

[minimagyar]

Actually, not really... I just spec'ed both and saw that I could have pretty much the same on either... minus the HP & the bigger brakes. Oh & the grille and metal pedals...

I LOVE small-sporty cars but I am also very concerned about the environment so these two things are clashing in my head... I've already made an improvement by waiting for the 07 instead of buying an 06.

I think I am going for the MCS after all... simply because I may not feel as safe in the Cooper. Years back when I shopped for my current car I was considering the Civic and the Golf. Well, the Golf (Cabrio) won simply because the car responded a lot faster and it seemed heavier, more stable...

Besides, I am pretty sure I can get my deposit on the MCS back, so I think I should just go ahead with the order and then go test the Coopers when they come in early April and change my order then if that is what I end up prefering...

I guess the answer to your question is they are after all 2 versions of the SAME car

[KenL]

Quote: Originally Posted by The Black Pearl (original)

The MCS has the superior look about it, It has a beefy feel and if you are only driving 5000 a year, it will be an enjoyable 5000 miles. Don't take anything away from the cooper but the S has a better feel about it.

Superior looks are a matter of opinion I much prefer the chrome grill to the cheap plastic grill on the S.

The beefy feel will be the same in a Cooper as there is no difference in standard suspension, steering etc.

If you don't need the speed of the S then try a Cooper - it is still a quick wee car.

[mister.t]

Go for the Cooper. Its just as enjoyable within strict american speed limits, and I think it sounds sportier under acceleration and at higher end, and, must admit I love the chrome. Thats just my opinion though

[MarkL]

If you are concerned about emissions then note that the R56 Cooper produces about 85% of the CO2 that the R56 Cooper S does in the European Union fuel economy cycle.

This is one of the reasons why I have stuck to having a Cooper, along with other costs (initial outlay, insurance). The way I tend to drive, I suspect I would rarely take advantage of the increased power of the S, and I've never driven one to avoid the temptation

[~Marcus~]

Quote: Originally Posted by mrweasel (original)

I drove both before I got my MCS and decided that life's too short to not to have more power than I need.

I could get by with just a MC, but why the hell not spend the extra $$$ and get more power, better handling and a non-functional hood scoop

In the R56 the MC has the same handling set up as the MCS, and you can specify Sports Suspension / Sports button on both.

As I trundle through London at 2mph, mostly, I chose a MC + lots of gadgets and toys. Also no claims bonus situation not good at the moment (ouch) so insurance was a factor and also the fact its cheaper to fuel as I do 25k miles a year

[Richard Crofts]

If you want an 07 hardtop then get one and make sure you get the aero kit. The MCS is brilliant in supercharger version but TBH for lower milage driving the comfort would be beter in an 07 v2 MC. Depending on where you live and the need for a boot have you considered a v1 06 or 05 ish cabriolet

[minimagyar]

Quote: Originally Posted by Richard Crofts (original)

If you want an 07 hardtop then get one and make sure you get the aero kit. The MCS is brilliant in supercharger version but TBH for lower milage driving the comfort would be beter in an 07 v2 MC. Depending on where you live and the need for a boot have you considered a v1 06 or 05 ish cabriolet

I had spec'ed the MC w/the aero kit so it came out at about the same price as the MCS. I don't agree that the MC is more comfortable... they now both come w/the same suspension and I am sticking to 16" wheels so they should be the same...

I checked the prior generation but not much savings and definitely a rougher ride... and a lot more emissions!

I think I am just going to test drive the MC either in auto right now or a bit later when the manual reaches the US coast...

[Hummer2k1]

as you dont drive much and drive at "low" speed and you want less emissions, go for the MC. About the manual transmission, you cannot imagine that manual transmission is so useless. Dont even think about it, even when the manual reaches the US. In Paris, we have to change almost every second from 1st to 2nd and back to 1st and back to 2nd.... You think manual is fun? you ll get bored very quickly! i drive manual for 10 years and i cant stand manual anymore.
I tested drive the auto MC, it was very nice, the suspension were very confortable and the gearbox is very responsive (almost as much as a manual one). you wont be disappointed w/ the auto MC!

i ll order my MC tmrw and i ll go for a MC w/ automatic transmission too. and i think thats THE choice!