Nathan,
I won't get into the whole age/new car thing... I have a wrx and you should here these debates over there....
One thing to consider though... The cooper and cooper S both accelerate very similarly up to about 45. This is probably the max acceleration you will really be feeling anyway, so "off a light" the are very close to even. You get much better top end with the S, but there are a few things to consider.
If you are paying your parents back in full, then I am assuming that you are at least paying for your own gas and insurance. If this is true, you will save quite a bit on both if you go with the cooper instead of the S. This could make a huge difference for you, or it might not, but take it into consideration....
Also, whatever you get, BE CAREFUL. I know from experience. I totalled a car one month to the day from getting my license. It was my fault, but I was not doing anything to push it. I was inexperienced, and drifted a hair too far to the right and hit the curb. Well what should have been a blown tire turned into a telephone pole into the front right corner thanks to the very small streets here in Newport RI. I was going the exact speed limit, being as careful as I could, but I just drifted slightly right and BANG, all done..... Nothing will ruin your new found freedom of driving like that! Also I was "lucky" enough to just have my first new car totalled due to an idiot not paying attention. They turned left at a green light. I was coming the other way, but they "Didn't see me!" Well that totalled another car completely unavoidable and not my fault.
I am sharing this with you to help you realize that you must be careful. Not matter how good any of us drive, we all make mistakes. Hopefully yours will be in places without consequences, unlike mine, and that you can steer clear of others mistakes.
Good Luck, and enjoy!
Ben |