[Rockster]

Could be. Part of what makes sports mode sports mode is a more sensitive throttle. I bought a new Porsche Cayman S which came with Sport Chrono and sport mode -- my first car with sport mode -- and I tried sport mode but I couldn't stand the car. Very sensitive to throttle inputs. Clearly a mode for the track not for the street.

My 2018 JCW sport mode was nearly as bad. The only saving grace (?) was with the JCW and run flats and front wheel drive it would spin the tires. Not a mode I used any after trying it a couple of times.

 

[Rockster]

Think what you are experiencing is just some variation between cars, brands.

Does sport mode really have the engine making more power or is it just a more responsive throttle and with an automatic higher RPMs before an up shift is made?

My 2023 MINI S (with its 7-speed dual clutch transmission) appears to have good power for passing. This even in mid mode. I will occasionally move the shift lever over into S mode (S for sport?) but I don't select sport mode via the switch. The transmission still up shifts automatically but at higher RPMs. Down shifts feel the same as in automatic mode. Kind of hear some rev matching though.

Time to experience the MINI in sport mode I guess.

 

[Rockster]

Ok. My MINI S in sport mode. Switching to sport mode while driving down a road at a steady speed the transmission -- 7-speed dual clutch automatic -- down shifts. The throttle is more responsive. That is I believe the action/movement is speeded up some. This sort of bothers me a bit in that with these engines the "throttle" is the intake valves which not only have variable timing but variable lift. Faster operation to provide a more responsive throttle could (?) subject the hardware to more wear/tear. Yeah, maybe I'm being a bit OCD.

Not much difference between Sport and Mid mode though. I didn't get any feel the engine had more torque in sport mode. That the transmission was quicker to downshift with even a pretty light application of the throttle and the more responsive throttle that's all I believe is going on. At least with my car.

OTOH, there might be more subtle changes. In some cases -- some cars -- sport mode causes the engine management to be more proactive with engine cooling. The engine controller will increase fan speed. And under hard acceleration it might even enrich the fuel mixture. The engine thus will make more power.

Enough guessing. I searched and found this:

How Does the Sport Mode Work

When you activate the MINI Cooper Sport Mode, the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) of your car will adjust a few things to improve handling and performance. Ultimately, the extent of the changes depends on what options are fitted in your vehicle, but generally speaking, you can expect the following areas to be different.

1. If your MINI has the adaptive suspension installed, the Sport Mode will change suspension feel – overall, it is going to become even stiffer than from the factory to improve cornering and the way your car behaves when accelerating or braking, since stiffness decreases body roll.
2. Better acceleration is another characteristic that will be noticeable when the MINI Cooper Sport Mode gets activated – the throttle response is going to be sharper and, in case of the automatic transmission models, the gearbox will reach higher RPM before upshifting.
3. The Sport Mode also prevents traction control from limiting the performance of your car – the system keeps you safe on the road, but it comes at the cost of acceleration, since it restricts how much power can be sent to the wheels in a sudden manner; after you press the button, you are going to get more control over the power output.
4. Since modern MINIs have electric power steering, it’s possible to alter this characteristic on the fly, which is exactly what happens in the most sporty setting – more direct, tighter steering is going to make your drive as exciting as racing in a go-kart; even the marketing people at MINI call it the “maximum go-kart feeling.”
5. As much fun as the Sport Mode is, turning it on will make your MINI use more gas, which is something to be aware of – sharply mapped throttle definitely contributes to that and it’s also very likely that your drivestyle will become slightly more aggressive. After all, sometimes it’s difficult to resist the temptation of more spirited driving.

Link:

Retrofits, Upgrades and Parts for BMW | BimmerTech

Discover the best retrofits, upgrades, and parts for your BMW.

www.bimmer-tech.net

 

[Rockster]

Oh I am aware it drinks more in sport. I commute a long way so I am trying to keep costs down by leaving it in normal and not driving like an 18 year old.
Tough to do.
But 32-33 mpg in stop and go is great

if I want power, I can also use manual mode.

32/33mpg in stop/go is good. My S manages 30mpg (in MID mode) when my driving conditions have me running up and down and back and forth on roads posted for 45mph and with some congestion but I make it a point whenever possible to avoid going out during the work commute.