MINI2

miniman007 · Sep 1st, 2004, 05:51 PM

Hello All,

I'm a huge fan of this forum as I spend a lot of time reading through all the different posts. I'm in the process of speccin a Copper S but have a question about the cars performance. I will tell that I have driven the Cooper S and found it to be pretty quick and nimble.

The concern I have is that since I have been in market for a new car I have been paying attention to other car manufactures ads and commercials. It appears there are quite a few cars of similar size that have roughly the same HP just like the MINI but priced quite a bit lower.

I guess the bottom-line is does the car have more horsepower than a comparable competitor? Is the horsepower in the car borderline too much or is it a lot of hype and the hp is adequate?

Bob

dansmini · Sep 1st, 2004, 06:02 PM

If HP is your game, get an SRT-4. Similar money, about 68 hp more (if I remember right). But everyone on here will be quick to point out that it lacks the styling and handling of the MINI.

miniman007 · Sep 1st, 2004, 06:13 PM

Dansmini,

Thanks for the quick reply. I'm not sure if HP is my game or not but it is definately a factor I'm looking at in a new car. My concern is that I will get the car and find that it needs additonal power and then look at purchasing the JCW Kit for 7K installed. That is alot of money. I havent been able to drive a MINI for any length of time just a quick ride at the dealer in Dallas so I really dont know if the car has the power that it needs. I did love how the car handle I just dont remember it being all that quick but maybe I wasnt driving the car properly.

Again thanks for the feedback,

Bob

dansmini · Sep 1st, 2004, 06:24 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by miniman007

Dansmini,

Thanks for the quick reply. I'm not sure if HP is my game or not but it is definately a factor I'm looking at in a new car. My concern is that I will get the car and find that it needs additonal power and then look at purchasing the JCW Kit for 7K installed. That is alot of money. I havent been able to drive a MINI for any length of time just a quick ride at the dealer in Dallas so I really dont know if the car has the power that it needs. I did love how the car handle I just dont remember it being all that quick but maybe I wasnt driving the car properly.

Again thanks for the feedback,

Bob

No problem, Bob. I do not own an S, but I have driven one and I can tell you that I feel like it is pretty quick. But, compared to what is the question. Straight line speed is definitely not the MINI's strongest suit, but man the corners sure do become a blast! Only you can decide if it is quick enough for you. Test drive it a few times. Be sure to put the hammer down (safely of course) and really get a feel for it. Then sleep on it. Then you'll know.

Bisch · Sep 1st, 2004, 06:42 PM

It's quite simple, really. Not many folks know this, but, there is a virus going around...it has been called the "speed bug". Simply put, it inflicts the host with an insatiable need for speed. Consequently, any vehicle the host purchases throughout his/her lifespan will never have enough power and will always require performance modifications. It should be noted that it is not any particular vehicle in question......it's any vehicle....srt-4, MINI, VW, etc. It's the person, not the car. Always modify, never settle for "stock".

miniman007 · Sep 1st, 2004, 06:59 PM

Bisch,

Nicely put. Maybe I just get the car and add nitrous down the road. : )

grnmene · Sep 1st, 2004, 07:20 PM

Having raced at El Mirage Dry Lake and Bonneville Salt Flats, I am a confirmed HP freak... BUT, I have a MCS. Why? It's the biggest thrill I've ever had in a car (well almost!

). There is a lot to be said for balance - just the right blend of power, handling, looks and fun-factor.

Try to get the dealer to let you get out on the freeway - on the on-ramp, nail it in 2nd or 3rd gear - you'll be grinning and it'll happen too fast for the sales guy to do anything...

Of course, having said this, what am I doing right now? Putting in a 19% pulley and chip... but then, that's part of the fun.

grnmene

Bisch · Sep 1st, 2004, 09:21 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by miniman007

Bisch,

Nicely put. Maybe I just get the car and add nitrous down the road. : )

Even just a pulley and a couple other bolt-ons will give you much bigger smiles.

kapps · Sep 1st, 2004, 10:45 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by grnmene

Try to get the dealer to let you get out on the freeway - on the on-ramp, nail it in 2nd or 3rd gear - you'll be grinning and it'll happen too fast for the sales guy to do anything...

grnmene

2nd or 3rd

you must mean 1st

. Our sales guy (girl) gave us the run-er up to 90 on the onramp with 4 people in the car

. The MCS is a blast to drive and it's definitely not underpowered but as stated earlier, the handling is what makes this little car really shine.

Johnny225 · Sep 1st, 2004, 11:44 PM

The problem with cars is that you become immune to the power. Initially, I thought the Cooper S had more than enough power. Now, after 3000 miles, I'm starting to curse the over long 1st gear. But it isn't slow by any means. Even my M3's beginning to feel a little slow! But the MINI will always put a smile on your face.

Meani · Sep 2nd, 2004, 03:20 PM

I know I'm running the risk of being thrown off the forum, but if I were in the market today for a car, I would be seriuosly looking into the VW R32.

miniman007 · Sep 2nd, 2004, 03:43 PM

I dont know anything about the VW R32 is it a performance car? How does the MINI stack up against the VW?

MINIAC · Sep 2nd, 2004, 03:51 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by miniman007

How does the MINI stack up against the VW?

This site has a powerful search engine which can be accessed from the navigation bar near the top of this forum.

ALL forum titles for mcs r32 reveals threads to read:

http://www.mini2.com/forum/search.php?searchid=698686

Meani · Sep 2nd, 2004, 03:55 PM

The MCS has nothing on the r32...we are talking all wheel drive, turbo, 6 speed and ready for the track.

miniman007 · Sep 2nd, 2004, 04:23 PM

Miniac,

Thanks for posting the link. Powerful search engine indeed.

Bob

dirchy · Sep 2nd, 2004, 04:29 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Meani

The MCS has nothing on the r32...we are talking all wheel drive, turbo, 6 speed and ready for the track.

I've accelerated up to 130mph behind an R32 badged golf and he never pulled away from me. Not sure what they handle like but they look too big and fat to me!

I was in my 6 speed, supercharged, standard 05 MCS at the time

Bisch · Sep 2nd, 2004, 04:38 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Meani

The MCS has nothing on the r32...we are talking all wheel drive, turbo, 6 speed and ready for the track.

Are you serious? Here is some testing from a popular VW magazine:

"Our testing at California Speedway was performed on a relatively green engine, so we expect the numbers to improve over time: We measured a 6.5-sec. time from 0 to 60 mph, 2.7 sec. from 30 to 50 mph and 2.1 sec. from 50-70 mph. The quarter mile, conducted with mild, drivetrain-protecting launches, was run in an average of 14.8 sec. at 94 mph. These aren't world-shaking numbers, but the R32 is extremely accomplished at making the engine's power work to best effect."

That, my friend, is not overly impressive....impressive....but not over the top. And how much does it weigh?

If you have a huge pot of spare change laying around, then you can make it a 550hp beast. Money = horsepower, no matter what vehicle.

miniman007 · Sep 2nd, 2004, 04:44 PM

All,

I just checked out the VW and while it is a nice car it doesnt have the style of the MINI. I have just made a command decision to add to the JCW kit to my 05 MINI. I may have to eat Ramen Noodles and sell my blood for a while but I think it will be owrth it in the long run. Whats another $7,000.00?

Bob

Meani · Sep 2nd, 2004, 04:58 PM

I spent a lot of money on my MCS, and it's now stronger than the stock r32...but the awd is so attractive, and a turbo is so easily tuned...
On the track, the R32 was tearing it up...I think the driver was one of the instructors, but still

dansmini · Sep 2nd, 2004, 07:06 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Meani

I spent a lot of money on my MCS, and it's now stronger than the stock r32...but the awd is so attractive, and a turbo is so easily tuned...
On the track, the R32 was tearing it up...I think the driver was one of the instructors, but still

With the R32, you are now up very close to $30,000 before adding anything to it. That's nearly a 50% price increase over the S. In my eyes, this car can not be cross-shopped with the MCS due to this price difference. You are now up past a RX-8 and just shy of a 350Z.
P.S. I agree with the post below. JCW is over priced compared to other mods.

Sep 1st, 2004, 05:51 PM	#1
miniman007 Lovin it Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Austin, Texas Local Time: 09:06 PM Posts: 102 Offline	Does the Cooper S have the performance? Hello All, I'm a huge fan of this forum as I spend a lot of time reading through all the different posts. I'm in the process of speccin a Copper S but have a question about the cars performance. I will tell that I have driven the Cooper S and found it to be pretty quick and nimble. The concern I have is that since I have been in market for a new car I have been paying attention to other car manufactures ads and commercials. It appears there are quite a few cars of similar size that have roughly the same HP just like the MINI but priced quite a bit lower. I guess the bottom-line is does the car have more horsepower than a comparable competitor? Is the horsepower in the car borderline too much or is it a lot of hype and the hp is adequate? Bob

Sep 2nd, 2004, 04:29 PM	#16 (permalink)
dirchy Dirchy A Brit in Germany Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bergen Local Time: 04:06 AM Posts: 53 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Meani The MCS has nothing on the r32...we are talking all wheel drive, turbo, 6 speed and ready for the track. I've accelerated up to 130mph behind an R32 badged golf and he never pulled away from me. Not sure what they handle like but they look too big and fat to me! I was in my 6 speed, supercharged, standard 05 MCS at the time A Brit in Germany

Sep 2nd, 2004, 07:06 PM	#20 (permalink)
dansmini Sullivan Racing Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Ohio Local Time: 10:06 PM Posts: 1,138 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Meani I spent a lot of money on my MCS, and it's now stronger than the stock r32...but the awd is so attractive, and a turbo is so easily tuned... On the track, the R32 was tearing it up...I think the driver was one of the instructors, but still With the R32, you are now up very close to $30,000 before adding anything to it. That's nearly a 50% price increase over the S. In my eyes, this car can not be cross-shopped with the MCS due to this price difference. You are now up past a RX-8 and just shy of a 350Z. P.S. I agree with the post below. JCW is over priced compared to other mods. Last edited by dansmini : Sep 2nd, 2004 at 07:22 PM.

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Sep 1st, 2004, 06:02 PM	#2 (permalink)
dansmini Sullivan Racing Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Ohio Local Time: 10:06 PM Posts: 1,138 Offline	If HP is your game, get an SRT-4. Similar money, about 68 hp more (if I remember right). But everyone on here will be quick to point out that it lacks the styling and handling of the MINI.

Sep 1st, 2004, 06:13 PM	#3 (permalink)
miniman007 Lovin it Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Austin, Texas Local Time: 09:06 PM Posts: 102 Offline	Dansmini, Thanks for the quick reply. I'm not sure if HP is my game or not but it is definately a factor I'm looking at in a new car. My concern is that I will get the car and find that it needs additonal power and then look at purchasing the JCW Kit for 7K installed. That is alot of money. I havent been able to drive a MINI for any length of time just a quick ride at the dealer in Dallas so I really dont know if the car has the power that it needs. I did love how the car handle I just dont remember it being all that quick but maybe I wasnt driving the car properly. Again thanks for the feedback, Bob

Sep 1st, 2004, 06:24 PM	#4 (permalink)
dansmini Sullivan Racing Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Ohio Local Time: 10:06 PM Posts: 1,138 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by miniman007 Dansmini, Thanks for the quick reply. I'm not sure if HP is my game or not but it is definately a factor I'm looking at in a new car. My concern is that I will get the car and find that it needs additonal power and then look at purchasing the JCW Kit for 7K installed. That is alot of money. I havent been able to drive a MINI for any length of time just a quick ride at the dealer in Dallas so I really dont know if the car has the power that it needs. I did love how the car handle I just dont remember it being all that quick but maybe I wasnt driving the car properly. Again thanks for the feedback, Bob No problem, Bob. I do not own an S, but I have driven one and I can tell you that I feel like it is pretty quick. But, compared to what is the question. Straight line speed is definitely not the MINI's strongest suit, but man the corners sure do become a blast! Only you can decide if it is quick enough for you. Test drive it a few times. Be sure to put the hammer down (safely of course) and really get a feel for it. Then sleep on it. Then you'll know.

Sep 1st, 2004, 06:42 PM	#5 (permalink)
Bisch Nut Job Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: In a van, down by th Local Time: 09:06 PM Posts: 207 Offline	It's quite simple, really. Not many folks know this, but, there is a virus going around...it has been called the "speed bug". Simply put, it inflicts the host with an insatiable need for speed. Consequently, any vehicle the host purchases throughout his/her lifespan will never have enough power and will always require performance modifications. It should be noted that it is not any particular vehicle in question......it's any vehicle....srt-4, MINI, VW, etc. It's the person, not the car. Always modify, never settle for "stock".

Sep 1st, 2004, 06:59 PM	#6 (permalink)
miniman007 Lovin it Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Austin, Texas Local Time: 09:06 PM Posts: 102 Offline	Bisch, Nicely put. Maybe I just get the car and add nitrous down the road. : )

Sep 1st, 2004, 07:20 PM	#7 (permalink)
grnmene MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: S. Oregon Coast Local Time: 07:06 PM Posts: 27 Offline	Having raced at El Mirage Dry Lake and Bonneville Salt Flats, I am a confirmed HP freak... BUT, I have a MCS. Why? It's the biggest thrill I've ever had in a car (well almost! ). There is a lot to be said for balance - just the right blend of power, handling, looks and fun-factor. Try to get the dealer to let you get out on the freeway - on the on-ramp, nail it in 2nd or 3rd gear - you'll be grinning and it'll happen too fast for the sales guy to do anything... Of course, having said this, what am I doing right now? Putting in a 19% pulley and chip... but then, that's part of the fun. grnmene

Sep 1st, 2004, 09:21 PM	#8 (permalink)
Bisch Nut Job Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: In a van, down by th Local Time: 09:06 PM Posts: 207 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by miniman007 Bisch, Nicely put. Maybe I just get the car and add nitrous down the road. : ) Even just a pulley and a couple other bolt-ons will give you much bigger smiles.

Sep 1st, 2004, 10:45 PM	#9 (permalink)
kapps MINI2 Senior Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Jacksonville, FL Local Time: 10:06 PM Posts: 430 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by grnmene Try to get the dealer to let you get out on the freeway - on the on-ramp, nail it in 2nd or 3rd gear - you'll be grinning and it'll happen too fast for the sales guy to do anything... grnmene 2nd or 3rd you must mean 1st . Our sales guy (girl) gave us the run-er up to 90 on the onramp with 4 people in the car . The MCS is a blast to drive and it's definitely not underpowered but as stated earlier, the handling is what makes this little car really shine.

Sep 1st, 2004, 11:44 PM	#10 (permalink)
Johnny225 Mr Buttons! Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: San Jose, CA Local Time: 06:06 PM Posts: 845 Offline	The problem with cars is that you become immune to the power. Initially, I thought the Cooper S had more than enough power. Now, after 3000 miles, I'm starting to curse the over long 1st gear. But it isn't slow by any means. Even my M3's beginning to feel a little slow! But the MINI will always put a smile on your face.

Sep 2nd, 2004, 03:20 PM	#11 (permalink)
Meani MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Mar 2004 Local Time: 03:06 AM Posts: 42 Offline	I know I'm running the risk of being thrown off the forum, but if I were in the market today for a car, I would be seriuosly looking into the VW R32.

Sep 2nd, 2004, 03:43 PM	#12 (permalink)
miniman007 Lovin it Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Austin, Texas Local Time: 09:06 PM Posts: 102 Offline	I dont know anything about the VW R32 is it a performance car? How does the MINI stack up against the VW?

Sep 2nd, 2004, 03:51 PM	#13 (permalink)
MINIAC MINI Profiler Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: City By The Bay Local Time: 07:06 PM Posts: 8,510 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by miniman007 How does the MINI stack up against the VW? This site has a powerful search engine which can be accessed from the navigation bar near the top of this forum. ALL forum titles for mcs r32 reveals threads to read: http://www.mini2.com/forum/search.php?searchid=698686

Sep 2nd, 2004, 03:55 PM	#14 (permalink)
Meani MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Mar 2004 Local Time: 03:06 AM Posts: 42 Offline	The MCS has nothing on the r32...we are talking all wheel drive, turbo, 6 speed and ready for the track.

Sep 2nd, 2004, 04:23 PM	#15 (permalink)
miniman007 Lovin it Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Austin, Texas Local Time: 09:06 PM Posts: 102 Offline	Miniac, Thanks for posting the link. Powerful search engine indeed. Bob

Sep 2nd, 2004, 04:38 PM	#17 (permalink)
Bisch Nut Job Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: In a van, down by th Local Time: 09:06 PM Posts: 207 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Meani The MCS has nothing on the r32...we are talking all wheel drive, turbo, 6 speed and ready for the track. Are you serious? Here is some testing from a popular VW magazine: "Our testing at California Speedway was performed on a relatively green engine, so we expect the numbers to improve over time: We measured a 6.5-sec. time from 0 to 60 mph, 2.7 sec. from 30 to 50 mph and 2.1 sec. from 50-70 mph. The quarter mile, conducted with mild, drivetrain-protecting launches, was run in an average of 14.8 sec. at 94 mph. These aren't world-shaking numbers, but the R32 is extremely accomplished at making the engine's power work to best effect." That, my friend, is not overly impressive....impressive....but not over the top. And how much does it weigh? If you have a huge pot of spare change laying around, then you can make it a 550hp beast. Money = horsepower, no matter what vehicle.

Sep 2nd, 2004, 04:44 PM	#18 (permalink)
miniman007 Lovin it Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Austin, Texas Local Time: 09:06 PM Posts: 102 Offline	All, I just checked out the VW and while it is a nice car it doesnt have the style of the MINI. I have just made a command decision to add to the JCW kit to my 05 MINI. I may have to eat Ramen Noodles and sell my blood for a while but I think it will be owrth it in the long run. Whats another $7,000.00? Bob

Sep 2nd, 2004, 04:58 PM	#19 (permalink)
Meani MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Mar 2004 Local Time: 03:06 AM Posts: 42 Offline	I spent a lot of money on my MCS, and it's now stronger than the stock r32...but the awd is so attractive, and a turbo is so easily tuned... On the track, the R32 was tearing it up...I think the driver was one of the instructors, but still

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