[R1]

This thread is aimed at people who already own their Coopers. Now you have driven them for a while, do you really think the Cooper S's extra power is needed in the real world? I don't think I would travel any faster on the journeys I've been on in my Cooper if I had a Farrari!! (and I haven't been travelling grany-like either!).
Your thoughts.

[Sirobbo]

Of course I could use more power!

And so could you R1, otherwise you`d have a 250cc bike instead of your R1

Honestly though, I think the car could use some more straight line speed, I agree that journey times are pretty similar to my previous Golf (and the Mini is giving away 55bhp) but more power (and torque) would be nice.

[R1]

Quote:

Originally posted by Sirobbo
And so could you R1, otherwise you`d have a 250cc bike instead of your R1

I can use a greater percentage of the power of my R1 on an average ride than I can in my Cooper because of the mobility and ability of a powerfull bike to get around traffic (keeping within the speed limit of course officer . )
I think the only reason I would want more horsepower in a car is because it makes a good talking point on forums and in the pub!

[MrCooper]

I don't have my Cooper yet - still waiting, but I've been asking myself the same question. I was wondering if I should hold off till I could get an S. I decided in the end that I didn't need much more power - time will tell I guess. Who needs straight line speed when you want cornering ability?

[Sirobbo]

MrCooper,

Not all the roads I use are stuffed full of corners!

I`d ideally like around 150bhp and 130 lbft of torque, remember that the Mini is not exactly lightweight! (It weighs about the same as a Mk4 Golf 1.6!).

I`d just like it to have a bit more flexibility that`s all!

[S25AJH]

Sirobbo, have to agree. Although I think there's probably enough power I think a bit more mid-range torque and flexibility would be useful - used to have a turbo diesel and in 5th put foot down and it went, Cooper seems a little more 'relaxed' in that respect.

[Sirobbo]

I know what you mean!

I drove my Father`s Audi A6 TDi yesterday, even in 6th gear it feels like a rocket next to my Mini.
It does have 228 lbft of torque though

[R1]

Quote:

Originally posted by Sirobbo
It does have 228 lbft of torque though

Now you have hit on a valid point! Torque is the true measure of power for a car on the road, not H.P. Thats why the "S" will be better on the road than cars like the Civic Type "R" and the like. It's also why bikes like Ducati V twins are faster on the road than their horsepower would suggest!
It still wouldn't get from A to B in a car quicker than in my Cooper though!

[zoooooom]

Just because someone wants more power surely that does not make you a poser.
I dont think many people will click that box,Badly worded me thinks. Zoooooom

[R1]

Quote:

Originally posted by zoooooom
Just because someone wants more power surely that does not make you a poser.
I dont think many people will click that box,Badly worded me thinks. Zoooooom

You should hear some of the people I know then .

[BlisterinCooper]

I could do with a bit more power. But then again, I am a poser!

[LMB]

Quote:

Originally posted by R1
Now you have hit on a valid point! Torque is the true measure of power for a car on the road, not H.P.

That is exactly why I want a Cooper S. I am not too bothered of having a top speed in the hundred and thirties, as I will never use it. However, I do feel the Cooper lacks torque where it matters, and this is where the S comes in.

Like you I considered the works conversion, but I think at a cost of £2,500 money could be better spent elsewhere.

LMB

[smiffy]

It all very well have more power but where are you likely to use it
You cant really use it on public roads & if you want if for track days & events they arent every weekend so when would you use it

The speed limit is a limit not a target (as I was once told)

[Jazzy Jase]

Quote:

Originally posted by smiffy
It all very well have more power but where are you likely to use it
You cant really use it on public roads & if you want if for track days & events they arent every weekend so when would you use it

The speed limit is a limit not a target (as I was once told)

I am not just buying my S for the extra power. The extra torque was the big attraction for me. I drive a lot of country roads and the extra power and torque makes for safer overtaking. Hills are easier to climb. Pulling out of junctions is quicker: Instead of dropping it into first you can leave it in second and know you will still go. Then theres the Traffic-light Grand Prix. . And all those Cooper owners who "beat a honda S2000". Well, I can beat a Cooper!

The other reason for my purchase of an S is that it looks far more aggressive than a Cooper or One. That alone is worth the extra £2900. Then there's the standard stuff you have to pay extra for on the Cooper/One and a six speed gearbox! The extra power commes for free!

[An_S_4_Me]

Back in August last year, I went for a test drive in the Cooper, I thought it was a great car to drive, but was lacking in power/torque a little bit. I loved the car, and had the Cooper S been a longer time away, I would have put my deposit down for a cooper there and then, I plan to keep my Cooper S for a good few years, and sadly I think that after a year or two in a Cooper, I would be yearning for more power, this shouldn't be the case with the S.

Along with the extra power that an S provides, the other main attractions are the six speed gearbox and the sports suspension and seats.

I specced up a Cooper on the MINI website the other day with things like the sports suspension and the sports seats etc, the price was just over 14,000, so I think that if I spend around £15,000 on the Cooper S, It is extremely good value

The torque is also a big selling point, at the moment, I drive a 1.8 Renault Laguna, and if I want to overtake someone, I have to plan it out about 10 minutes before I actually start the manouvere, talk about lacking in torque!

Andy

[smiffy]

I drive a 1.8 Renault Laguna, and if I want to overtake someone, I have to plan it out about 10 minutes before I actually start the manouvere, talk about lacking in torque!
____________________________________

You should try it in a 1.3 Fiesta Finesse

[rthookLR]

Have any of you taken your cars up into the mountains to see how the power is affected by elevation, a deffinate concern when you live at 5000 ft and regularly drive up to over 10000 ft.

[MrCooper]

I see your point Sirobbo, fortunately I only have country roads on the way to work - all nice and twisty! . I venture on to dual carrageways about once a month - if that, yet go about 250 miles each week! Its a hard life!

[R1]

Quote:

Originally posted by Cooper_S
The extra power commes for free!

It doesn't. MPG and insurance quotes come to mind. My Mondeo ST24 was group 16 and cost almost double to insure than my Cooper. If the "S" is near that then this is the cost for power.

[Redhotmini]

From my experience i would say that the cooper is fast enough for a small car, now i'm not trying to be
sophisticated ere but when u compare it to other small cars- it kicks ass! i mean take the golf tdi i drove the other day and i would say that they've got almost equal amounts of power- then take the handling experience and your streets ahead...

im still running in at the moment (800 miles in one month- no comments please ) but i fink the car just has this great ability to "carry speed" therefore i fink the extra power wouldn't be needed

and coming back to smiffys comment about speed limits i fink that as long as u live in a place like mine (jurassic park) then the cooper is just perfect

nice eh R1?