Hello everyone..I'm new here. Blessings to all.
Anyone able to compare JCW S with a R32 VW (or a GTI VR6 VW) from your experience? I am between the JCW S and the R32, but I have not had a chance to drive a JCW S. I've driven an MCS though, and I've read many good reviews about the JCW kit. I drove a GTI VR6 for the first time a couple weeks back and was amazed. I was dissapointed with its interior though, until i saw the limited R32. Very nice. The R32 has much more torque and HP than the standard VR6, but I would be fine with the standard VR6 power, if the interior was like the R32's.
I then went to test drive the MCS, and had great fun with handling and liked the interior, but the power factor of the GTI VR6 was far superior (fun!). I think I would prefer the MCS only if the JCW S kit can match the VR6's power (you know that stop light action! Low end torquey speed). I know the numbers of both cars are somewhat close, but personal experience is much better than numbers. That's why I'm consulting Mini2 Forums. Any input would be appreciated.
Last edited by brifont; Aug 23rd, 2004 at 06:45 AM.
Nice! Thank you for the link S-Works!
It's nice to have all the numbers on one page. Thank you.
One significant number is the kg/hp (Poids/Puissance (en Kg/Ch) right?). The R32 and JCW S are almost the same, but the R32 does out perform the JCW S in speed.
Again, if the JCW S can take off like a standard Golf IV VR6, that'll be sufficient for me, as I find the low end of the VR6 very awesome.
I've got an r32 and had a MCS for 6months and have covered about 15K miles in both cars so have a good idea of how they both compare. Personally I prefer the R32 over the mini but I may be a bit biased. If you have any specific question please feel free to ask.
i current have a R32 & Hartge Mini . Still got both , so both are good. R32 pulles hard out off corners though and off the line . Both in my gallery along with some other of my toys
I sold my VR6 to buy an 04 MCS JCW. Performance is similar though the VR6 makes its power much more easily. The real contrast is in the dynamics - the VR6 is closer to a smooth riding, softly sprung luxo-car while the MCS is much more sporty.
I've no regrets at all. Never driven a R32 so can't comment on that..
These comments are helpful. From what I read, the power in the VR6's is much more constant and available than in the JCW S. I got an email from GBMini telling me about his JCW S's power off the line:
"The JCW MCS offers more power than the stock MCS. However, the main
limitation I find with the MINI in all power configurations is the initial
"leap off the line". It takes a finite time for the engine computer to
figure that you want instant action, and a finite time for the
supercharger to wind up."
I guess that even with the JCW S's power is still better when you hit 4000 RPM, which is the problem I was hoping the JCW kit would alleviate by allowing more power in the lower RPM band. I still want to drive one to be convinced.
I test drove an R32, Turbo Miata, STI and an MCS. I decided on the MCS, even though it is the slowest from a start, because of its handling, mpgs, fun-factor, price, tightness and overall quality feel. Basically because of the sum of its qualities although it lacks in the 0 to 60 test. The R32 had more body-roll, felt really big compared to all the others. If I was going to go that way I would take the STI. The reliability factor is higher, it's faster and it's based on a rally car (instead of just road travel). And it felt great...really tight (great short shifter). Gave lots of signals and I could feel very confident in it.
So how about off the line?..is the JCW S similar to the VR6? Details?
I'm talking more feel than numbers...does the JCW S have some of that bottom end torque that makes the VR6 so pleasant?
Off the line I'd say it's close enough that I didn't worry about it. Just feels like you have to drive it a bit harder that's all. Once the JCW gets going it feels very comparable and at the top end feels quicker. It's a close one! I
I actually bought the JCW kit as I knew I wouldn't be happy with the MCS performance having come from a VR6. Now that i've done 3K miles what I really appreciate about the car is the terrific handing and smile factor which comes as standard.
JCW S close enough to the VR6 off the line??? Now that's good news!
I don't understand exactly what you mean by, "Just feels like you have to drive it a bit harder", but I would just have to drive it to figure it out myself. I think I understand, that you seem to have to press the gas a little more to excrete the power, unlike the VR6, right? Either way, hope to drive here in a Miami,FL dealer soon.
I have never driven an R32 but had a bit if a race with one in my standard cooper S. the road was a duel carriageway with roundabouts every 1 mile or so with great views of approaching traffic. Every roundabout the R32 couldnt go round as fast as me and i left him behind but then everntually it caught up by the time we got to the next one.
Personally id go with the MCS any day. an R32 is still a golf at the end of the day.
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JCW Cooper S vs. R32 or GTI VR6 
More than a car...It's a Mini ! 
