[timlowden771]

I have just been following a Mini Cooper in my Mini One and I have to say the performance advantange of the cooper is hardly noticable. I could keep up with the mate at all times and there was no difference with the cornering abilitys of the two cars. We are going on a track day in a couple of weeks with the two cars, should be good to see what the differences are when we are not limited by road laws!! Will let you know

[Paul]

'tis true, there isn't THAT much difference.

At the track day at Bedford last year a MINI One won the slalom challenge too.

[smiffy]

The thinking man's car

[Red & White Cooper 2]

Quote:

I have just been following a Mini Cooper in my Mini One and I have to say the performance advantange of the cooper is hardly noticable. I could keep up with the mate at all times and there was no difference with the cornering abilitys of the two cars.

This reminded me of the rather ridiculous EVO magazine "car of the year" test where a standard Cooper was put up against the likes of the Aston Martin Vanquish, Porshe 911 Carrera and BMW M3. To quote:

On one downhill section I was in the M3 and Dickie was following in the Mini and there was nothing I could do to shake him off. Admittedly it was on a long downhill twisty road, but fair's fair. The little red and white rug rat (i.e. the Cooper) remained glued to the M3's back bumper.

What does this prove? Well you could say that following another car is not a very accurate test of performance, but equally that extra performance is not always an advantage in the real world.

[ScottyHP]

Totally agree with R&W Cooper 2, Ok whilst there isn't a lot of differnce between the one and the cooper on paper there is obviuosly a difference on the road else there would be no reason for the Cooper to exist, the Cooper is more responsive and handling is deffinatly improved. But even so it boils down to how good the driver is to get the most from the extra power and handling.

[IndieBlueOne]

Quote:

Originally posted by ScottyHP
else there would be no reason for the Cooper to exist

You mean, apart from the opportunity to take an extra £1,300 from you for "street credibility" and forgetting to paint your roof?

[ScottyHP]

Yes I agree it is £1300 more but if the MINI One was as good performance wise I would have bought it I will agree it doesn't make a massive difference but that difference is worth it, plus...... it makes me more street credible

ps at least you had your head screwed on when you picked your colour

[MiNiGuY]

The Cooper has stiffer springs and dampers than the 'One' and the inclusion of a rear anti roll bar which the 'One' doesn't have.
However, unless your mate is on the ball and knows his rpm's you could embarass him yet!!
You could get the diagnostic ecu tune-up from the boys at John-Cooper and not tell your mate.
At least offer him a tissue though!!