Vaper.. i test drove both cars and opted for the cooper s on pure grin factor and i adore her... the only a3 that would make me reconsider is the 3.2 v6...absolute monster!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't know why you are comparing the two cars, as they are so different. The mini is great for handling and performance and if its for short journeys then they are great. If however you need something to drive up and down the country then I would certainly recommend something more appropriate. I would however go for the Golf Gti over the Audi A3. They have fantastic reviews, and probably a good compromise between the two.

In terms of oomph, most of the MCS's at the brunty track day in January had no problem over taking the Audi S3 on the track, The mini through the corners was just so much faster. I believe the brakes on the Audi really are not that great, and the instructors said the same.

If you want fun buy a mini. If you need a car to get around buy an Audi.

I wouldn't compare the MCS to the S3 or any other Audi. The MCS should be compared with Pug 206RC, Seat Ibiza Cupra, Renault Clio 2.0.. I don't know if the MCS is quicker than S3 on track, it certainly feels quicker on corners, but the Audi has an incredible way of covering long distances without a sweat. You barely feel bumps, no squeaks or rattles from the cabin, build quality is amazing, I don't know if i could live with the harsh ride of the MCS everyday,
In the fun factor though i can only compare the MCS with the Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9.

Although they are very different cars, I think it is a logical comparison. Here in Canada both the A3 and Mini are (or are near) the entry level for Euro imports. We don't have the new Golf yet... so I can't speak to that... we do have the new Jetta, but it looks like a Corolla.... bleh.
I drove the A3 (sans Sport pkg) and thought it had plenty of guts and a smooth manual transmission. However, I thought the steering was seriously over-boosted at low speeds... although it firms up nicely at speed. I just wasn't excited about the car after my test drive. It was perfectly 'nice', but somehow a bit boring... and the five-door hatch configuration seemed too close to my Impreza Outback. I considered the A3, TSX, S40/V50, and the Cooper S. All fall in the low 30's to low 40's depending on equipment in Canadian dollars. However, to get the A3 or the S40 with similar equipment to the Cooper, I was looking at a minimum $5K premium. In the end, the Cooper made the most sense for my lifestyle and needs/wants.

For me its the mini:p ,the handling and build quility is superb;) But i am a fan of the A3 because my dad has had one and there such a great car, very well built, comfortable and there also nippy. But no where near as much fun as a mini:D

well, the A3 is incomparable to the good looks on the mini. and i bet the mini is more fun to drive. in my opinion, you'll regret it if you get the audi instead of the mini.

Another review from The Boston Globe this time the Quattro version of the A3. Royal still likes it...

http://www.boston.com/cars/car_reviews/articles/2006/01/08/this_plow_lets_you_drive_in_premium_style/

I just got a 2006 A3 Sportback with the 2.0T FSI Engine and DSG. I think it's a great car, but I wish I could have both my MCS and the A3. I had to get rid of my 2003 MCS for work reasons and the fact that I could trade it in for good money before it hit the 50K miles mark. I agree...MCS = fun and A3 = not quite as much fun with more practicality. I am going to try to cure that though. I am going with the REVO ECU remap, Milltek exhaust and new intake. That should put it around 290hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. It is already a fast and good handling car. The DSG is great too. I think these mods are the answer to making it the practical car I need right now with fun on the level of the MCS.

Here's my thread on it that has been going for a little while. It has a lot more info on the car I got and my decision to buy the A3. Photo of my car too:

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?t=106552