MINI and Miata sharing the garage

[XSmall]

I have noticed at least a couple people on here with both a MINI and Miata.
I have driven a silver 90 Miata for the last 4 years, and I'd like to hear other's experience and thoughts on how the two cars compare.
I'm keeping the Miata when we get the MINI because it is all paid for, and runs great (at 125,000 miles). Plus, as much as I know I'll love my MINI, there are some days when you just gotta drive with the top down.
From what I know, the Miata is less peppy than the MCS, with only 116 hp. I could definitely tell a difference in my test drive. My husband thought the MINI didn't ride as smoothly as our Miata. I didn't notice that, but he was on the passenger side.
The MINI is a foot shorter than the Miata, it still boggles my mind that it has a back seat!
I'm looking forward to having both those little cars in my garage!

[thegrommit]

My '95 Miata was certainly smoother riding than the MCS I test drove, but it rode on 195/60 tyres. However, both cars are fun to drive, and I'm envious that you get to switch between the two

While I will miss the Miatas RWD and nearly 50/50 weight distribution, I'm looking forward to taking delivery of my Cooper.

[MiniShuttle]

I had a chance to drive an MCS on the same roads as my Miata (95, Red/Tan, totally stock). I think the Miata has more body flex than the MINI. So bumps tend to send a shake or shudder through the car. The MINI had none of this. Must be the 50% extra welds and hard roof frame.

I'll be selling mine and I'm sure to miss the top down. I just did a 400 mile trip yesterday taking my daughter back to college. Fried my head, but it's a wonderful way to cruise.

[monica]

Quote:

Originally posted by XSmall
I have noticed at least a couple people on here with both a MINI and Miata.

Oh how I wish I did I almost got a Miata, they do seem like fun little cars, but alas I needed my next car to be "practical" enough to accomidate a 3yr old and I'm not to fond of rear wheel drive handling on snow and ice. Oh well I don't think I will regret holding out for the MINI and maybe someday I'll come about a nice little used Miata that (maybe one day you'll want to sell yours ) Anyway enjoy them both (I do also think the Toyota MR2 is real nice. Who need a trunk )

[billkrz]

My Miata is a little smoother in ride but not much. I have 185-60-14 on the Miata and 175-65-15 on the Cooper. The Miata seats are more comfortable, it's gearshift is more precise, it's quicker(mine's a 1.8),and shutters when you hit a bump. Also, the a/c doesn't have that terrible bog that the MINI has. The MINI has better cornering, a much stiffer structure, and can haul stuff!
Best to have both!!

[Nowhere]

I've had my Miata for about 3 years now and I love it. Unfortunately I will be selling it when my Mini arrives in a few weeks. However, I should be able to negotiate a visitation schedule since my brother is the one buying it

From everything I've read and from my test drives, I think that the Mini will capture a lot of the same fun driving and great handling that the Miata has. The funny thing is that one of the reasons for buying the Mini is because I need a bigger car with more room inside

Once I've driven the Mini for a little while I'll come back with some comparison.
Chris

[XSmall]

It's fun to see all your comparisons.
My husband says he is going to make our Miata a Monster Miata. I don't know if he's kidding or not. I'm afraid to ask!

[minimott]

I also own a Miata as well as an MCS. They are two totally different cars but I enjoy them both immensely. I love the RWD on the Miata, but like the MCS's ride better. I feel I have a little less body roll with the MCS, but that's mostly because I recently started autocrossing with my Miata and now drive it like a maniac.

What I love most about my Miata is that it is so simple. Not a lot of bells and whistles, in fact there are none. But I'm starting to like the gadgets on the MCS. Mostly, I like having one car with a little more power so when I'm sitting at a light and some guy looks over at me and thinks I'm some unknowing girl, I can waste him.

Keep both cars and you'll be glad you did.

minimott

[baggins_mini]

We'll be having a MINI and a Miata sharing our garage also. The Miata, a 2000 Special Edition, had to be gotten first, so she will be less tempted to want to drive my MCS when it arrives.

[DITCH]

Quote:

Originally posted by minimott
Keep both cars and you'll be glad you did.

Ditto

BTW, I envy the guy with the 2000 SE.

Ditch