Is anything over 150bhp pointless?

[Roofas]

I'm set on getting an R56 in the not too distant future and was contemplating whther to go for a Works S or just a standard S. Having analysed my driving patterns it occurred to me that my average around town and my commute to work (2 mins straight with no traffic) is barely 30mph, I only do about 6-700 motorway miles per annum, and I never track my car. So a standard S would be more than sufficient as anything more would never see it's potential fulfilled.

Now, for those that fall in to similar paterrns, is anything over 150bhp just for bragging? With ever increasing traffic, traffic management systems, etc, we (myself at least) seem to end up driving slower and slower yet cars are becoming more and more powerful.

Not knocking those who do have more than stated, but it has finally dawned on me that my quest for more power is just plain ridiculous as what I have already is barely ever used.

Apologies if I have bored the life out of you.

BTW, I only have a CAI as a mod

[Scrogg]

Assuming your driving habits won't be changing when you get the new car (I challenge you not to find reasons to just drive somewhere for the fun of it! ) stick with the standard 175BHP and save yourself a few thousand pounds.

Like you say, a JCW is great for those that want/use it, but I think it would be a total waste of money in your case.

[Step_7]

By your own reasoning, why bother even getting an 'S' - A Cooper or even a Dooper would still be able to put a smile on your face on the occasions that you do get out for a run!

[jamesbeaumont]

Quote: Originally Posted by Roofas (original)

Now, for those that fall in to similar paterrns, is anything over 150bhp just for bragging? With ever increasing traffic, traffic management systems, etc, we (myself at least) seem to end up driving slower and slower yet cars are becoming more and more powerful.

Not knocking those who do have more than stated, but it has finally dawned on me that my quest for more power is just plain ridiculous as what I have already is barely ever used.

I think that depends on wether you view a car as a source of fun or just something that gets you from A to B. If its the latter then frankly, a ONE is sufficient but if you just go out and drive becasue you enjoy it then more power is quite often going to mean more fun

[ALD0]

Judging by what you have writtern about your driving habits etc, I think a Cooper D would be a good compromise for you

[fakesnake]

Nope -over 150bhp is certainly not bragging.

(but over 300bhp/ton probably is )

[slim_boy_fat]

Quote: Originally Posted by fakesnake (original)

Nope -over 150bhp is certainly not bragging.

(but over 300bhp/ton probably is )

What about 900bhp/tonne Yeh baby yeh...

[NeuroBeaker]

Now here's a thread I never thought I'd see on MINI2.com!

Quote: Originally Posted by jamesbeaumont (original)

I think that depends on wether you view a car as a source of fun or just something that gets you from A to B. If its the latter then frankly, a ONE is sufficient but if you just go out and drive becasue you enjoy it then more power is quite often going to mean more fun

I see my ONE as both something that gets me from A to B and as a source of fun. I often just go out and drive because I enjoy simply driving.

Having said that, I am starting to do a few modifications. Ultimately, I'd like to be around the 140bhp mark... I think that would be more than sufficient for me, still economical, and within my financial means.

Before I really get going though, I just need to wait a few months until I'm 25 and the insurance becomes affordable. What to do during those months? I think I might go and browse a few of the MINI2.com sponsor sites...

[Tara&Paul]

Quote: Originally Posted by Roofas (original)

I'm set on getting an R56 in the not too distant future and was contemplating whther to go for a Works S or just a standard S. Having analysed my driving patterns it occurred to me that my average around town and my commute to work (2 mins straight with no traffic) is barely 30mph, I only do about 6-700 motorway miles per annum, and I never track my car. So a standard S would be more than sufficient as anything more would never see it's potential fulfilled.

Now, for those that fall in to similar paterrns, is anything over 150bhp just for bragging? With ever increasing traffic, traffic management systems, etc, we (myself at least) seem to end up driving slower and slower yet cars are becoming more and more powerful.

Not knocking those who do have more than stated, but it has finally dawned on me that my quest for more power is just plain ridiculous as what I have already is barely ever used.

Apologies if I have bored the life out of you.

BTW, I only have a CAI as a mod

Have you ever been in a R56 MCS at full throttle? If not, get yourself down to Stratstone Mini Dealers in Tring and ask for a go in their R56 MCS JCW stage 1 tuned demo' car. And then tell me that 193bhp in a Mini is a waste of time? Once you've got, you WILL use it, trust me.

And regards to "traffic management systems etc", there are miles of roads that you can still have heaps of fun with, especially in Bedfordshire! You just got to know where to go!
P & T.

[Hugo]

You can never have a enough donkeys in a chassis like the MINIs.


People say I've got more power than you, but I still get you through the corners

[Ant FR]

up to you, but i do a lot of late night driving. so open roads, not much traffic etc etc.

On some occasions i just go for a drive for the sake of it.

And power is like sex, you can never get enough of it, Unless you are a grumpy old woman..... ( i honeslty did'nt just say that...)

[msh441]

As stated before - depends what your going to be doing with the car. As a utilitarian commuter, go for the Cooper.

Me? I have no regreats going for the JCW engine kit. But I really enjoy spirited driving, autocross and a few track days each year, so.... it's not pointless power here. I could actually go fo a bit more, even!

[Ant FR]

in fact this Month, Evo reviewed the new Mini One, and actually said you can have just as much fun if not more with the little 1.4. so personal choice i suppose.

However after once being on the receiving end of some road rage where somebody tried running me off the road ( nutter) i have always preferred to have a fast car as it can actually be safer in those situations, especially aggresion on the road is becoming more common place.