Oversteer

[DaveG]

Hi all,

Finally got registered for this board, so here's my first post.

I've got a MINI Cooper, just finshed running it in so now the right hand pedal is getting more use!

Is it just me or do other owners find there MINI is initially understeering into corners, but when pushed a bit the back end starts to come round as the car starts to oversteers It is controlable, by lifitng off the throtttle a bit and/or steering towards the slide, but..........

Previoulsy I've had a Fiat Cinqucento Sporting, and then a Sciento Sporting, neither of which did this. Same roads, simliar slightly slippy road conditions.

[Silverstone]

I have a Cooper Chili and have also just finished running-in - I don't find any problem with the back end letting go - If you push it I find it nice and neutral and lifting off tightens the line a bit more.

What wheels / tyres / suspension are you running - maybe you can compare with an identical car out there.

[Root Ginger]

There's a reason for this.

The MINI handles properly with lift off oversteer (which I think you are experiencing) and Fiats well... don't!

[M]

Yep, lift off oversteer, great fun, quite controllable. Particularly enjoyable on the series of roundabouts on the ring road down here.

[DaveG]

Thanks for the replies. Sorry for the delay in my reply, bit busy over Christmas

So, it looks like my girlfriend will just have to get used to the feel of oversteer as a passenger As if the passenger viewable speedo wasn't enough!

[Paul]

Oooh roundabouts in a MINI, that brings back memories of when I had the Cooper for a week in Milton Keynes....

I want one.

[Silverstone]

If you want to experience real lift-off oversteer, try a Peugeot 205 GTi 1.6 (not the 1.9) - that is a real oversteer monster - great fun if you are the driver - terrifying if you are in the other chair! We are talking real sideways action here.

MINI doesn't come close to this level of oversteer - it is lovely and neutral if you push it (if you are only used to understeering front drive cars then neutral can feel like oversteer) and lifting-off tightens the line nicely and can induce a little gentle oversteer in slippier conditions.

I have a Cooper Chili with Goodyears. If your MINI doen't feel like this, then check your tyre pressures!

Personally I love this set-up - it is the best handling car I have ever owned, and I have owned nearly 20 "sporty" cars, so that is saying somethinng.

[Paul]

Why the 1.6 and not the 1.9? (which I have on my drive way).

[Root Ginger]

I think that is to do with the weight of the engine. 1.6 is often described as having excellent handling but the 1.9 is a bit front heavy.

Right?