I am trying to decide between a mini cooper S and a BMW Z3 1.9 I really can't make up my mind. The mini has the better engine and transmission, but the Z3 has the better drive train layout (rear wheel drive) and handles much better than the mini. The Z3 I am looking at has 5k miles on it and with the money differance I would put on springs, shocks, and wheels.
I am looking for advice here, and I don't want people to just say mini because we are on a mini site, or because you like your mini. Just tell me which car would be a better choice in your opinion.

-Andrew

[Bullett]

I looked at a Z3 for my last car, my opinion was that it was massively over-rated, cramped for the driver and just a bit too common.
Plus the BMW dealer was a complete ********.

[Tom F.]

Andrew,

Before we chime in, could you tell us a little more about what you want to use the car for? It could make a real difference, as they are very different vehicles.

Are you looking for a competitive stock class autocross car? Want to blend in with the crowd? Really want an open car?

BTW, its not really clear to me what you mean when you say the Z3 handles better. The Cooper S got the absolutely fastest slalom time in Road and Track testing, beating every ever car they've tested, which I presume includes the Z3 in various flavors. Not that R+T is the ultimate authority, its just curious to me that you initially dismiss the Cooper S handling...

Tell us more

[Lizard]

I just turned in a 2000 Z3 2.8. It was a great car when I lived in Arizona. I never put up the top. (In Texas it rains too much - and the Z3 is not much fun with the top up.)

The 1.9 is very underpowered. It does not have enough power to run the AC. I would avoid it.

The main drawback of the Z3 is that you must have two cars, since the 2 seater just doesn't work for many applications. (I also have an Explorer.) I am moving to the MCS so I can get rid of the SUV and live with one car.

If you can have more than one car the Z3 is absolutely a ball to drive and handles well at high speed (150+). The Z4 is an improvement. If you want a roadster I would suggest the Z4 with the 3.0 engine. The 3.0 has great overall power and a wonderful torque curve. The Z4 has some nice features such as a glass back window that are an improvement over the Z3.

[IBMiniG]

I agree with Tom F. if this will be you only auto, go for the MCS, quite versatile for a inexpensive sports car. If its going to be a for fun thing (second car), and you live in a dry area of the world a convertible seems to fit the bill.
I went from a Toyota 4-Runner to the MCS a couple months ago. took a bit to get used to but loving it now. The MCS is a sports car with room to boot, or is that room in the boot

[GMINI]

Above having been said already, I wil withold comment until the above questions have been answered.

To contradict that somewhat - the Z4 I saw in the showroom yesterday is one BADASS car. Will be my next. AWESOME design. Photos do NO justice. Under the hood, I can see how it will MOVE. Having seen it - I would never settle for a Z3.

Ehem. 2¢.

[deej]

If you haven't already driven both i suggest you do then if your still unsure even then, come back and we'll have another chat about it

I have driven both cars, the cooper S only twice, but I have been driving a Z3 (not the one I am looking at) on the track for about 2 years. Initially I didn't really like the car, the styling was ok, but I just didn't like it. After driving it for a while I have to say this car handles awsomely. It is neutral and predicatble, and really fast through the corners. When I drove the Cooper S I noticed it had the typical front engine front wheel drive understeer.

As said above, the Z4 is an excellent car. We are building two of them to run in Grand Am Cup series (same one the mini's are running in) but they are outside of my price range.

I am a person that appreciates a car with good handling, good brakes, and reasonable power. I may autocross it but I will definently do some drivers schools in it.

I think I will probably end up getting the Cooper S because it is more practical.

About handling...The cooper S transitions really well because of the short wheelbase and wheels at the corner of the chassis, which would lead to a fast slalom time, but in a long sweeper, the S has understeer and you have to fight it, the Z3 is neutral with just a touch of oversteer....perfect.

-Andrew

[Tom F.]

Andrew,

Good feedback.

Do you know how the tires were set up in the MCS you drove? I think you will find that by playing with tire pressure, you can dial out a lot of the understeer.

See
MCS Tire Pressure Thread

[erazo]

My advice is the same I give to all "fence-sitters": if you can't decide between a MINI and another car, buy the other car. This provides a service to MINI lovers by making more available for them to choose from.

[wingedsheep]

my aunt's boyfriend just got a Z4 3.0L -- its an awesome car. The articles I've read about it have all been glowing. If you were deciding between that and a Cooper S -- you'd probably be leading towards the Z4.

... you see Z3's everywhere...

[Keevan]

well i think for an american you have no roads for a real S driving pleasure... so go for the Z4


ohh you mean a Z3 .. c'mon .. my mum drives that .. or chicks... be a guy and get an S..

[GMINI]

Quote:

Originally posted by erazo
My advice is the same I give to all "fence-sitters": if you can't decide between a MINI and another car, buy the other car. This provides a service to MINI lovers by making more available for them to choose from.

And a shorter wait yeah!

z3 has the name roadster attached to it. That's about all. Compete with a miata in a z3 or just about averything in an S.

Feelin a lil punchy.

[mrhollio]

Quote:

Originally posted by erazo
My advice is the same I give to all "fence-sitters": if you can't decide between a MINI and another car, buy the other car. This provides a service to MINI lovers by making more available for them to choose from.

...ditto...