I Driven both a '96' 1.8i MX5 and a '99' 1.8i MX5, Ok they look diferent but the driving experience bar the 6 speed in the '99' is very similar in terms of handling and performance the 10 bhp or so difference was hardly noticalble.
Like has already been mentioned the two cars are in different worlds but strangly when driven give the same enjoyment. I would say that the MX5 was a bit more responsive than the Cooper but there isnt a load of difference. I would say the main difference is it feels a lot faster in the MX5 due to it being a soft top (the wind noise) And it being a fair bit lighter then the MINI.
The handling I would say is better in the MINI but that maybe due to the greater sense of control and safety you feel down to the ASC+T etc the MX5's I drove didn't have but thats what makes the MX5 so much of a 'raw' drive.
If I had to pick either a MX5 or a MINI Cooper I would go for the Cooper, as much as I like the MX5 and there is no doubting its ability and driver satisfaction, it just doesn't quite match the 'complete package' the MINI offers.
But the thing is I probably wouldn't consider a MX5 for everyday use, as with the MINI.
MINIless since 2nd of June @12:35pm 2003 |