What is the differance between the two, is it just the amount of horsepower or is there more? I just test drove a Cooper clubman regular and thought it had respectable pick-up. Haven't driven the S and am wondering if I should cause i'd hate to fall in love with it when I might be happy just with the regular.

 

MINI USA's official site will let you compare both models side by side to see which packages are offered on each model

http://www.miniusa.com/#/MINIUSA.COM-m

 

I purposedly did not drive the S because I had no intention of buying. They come with more hp, different suspension, and different seats (based on other posts). They also cost more and have a longer wait. They sound like fun, but don't drive it if don't plan on buying one.

 

The Cooper S has an S next to the word Cooper on the boot which I guess means that you can transport S-Cargo ... Get it... S-Cargo


Alright already enough with the awesome jokes....

Don't drive the Cooper S if you don't want to spend the extra money.
I drove a Cooper first and was ready to buy it when the MA convinced me to try the Cooper S and I could not go back to the Cooper after that.

 

If you configure it right the main difference is the power. The Cooper-S's power is quite addictive. A Cooper is just as much fun, just different, more finesse. The old ones came with different suspension as standard, the Cooper had "infinite grip" as far as I could see, the Cooper-S was more slidy. The sport suspension on new MINIs is like the Cooper-S used to be (but even more fun). I'm not too sure how it compares to the non sport suspension, I never driven a US spec one without it.

The S also gets different colours, front fogs as standard and 2 rear fogs to the Cooper's 1 (when configured). The Cooper has chrome exterior trim which I like, which you can add to an S with the Chrome package. I did that for Quentin, but they also want to make you mirror caps chrome which is annoying.

The S gets the fancy chrome gas cap cover, the Cooper gets the plain body coloured one. The Cooper gets a spare tire, the S doesn't.

Those are the only differences I can think of currently.

Edit: with the old models, the Coopers had a 5 speed and the Ss a 6 speed. I really wanted a Cooper with a 6 speed, but the new ones have that now.

 

I bought an S, after finding out that the Mini I was going to buy was gone, in fact they all were sold. I wasn't going to order one as I had already committed to selling my old car. Dealer was going to give me 1st choice on what they had coming in later in the week, that wasn't sold. The wife and I were talking over which one to get when she 'out of the blue' asked if they had an S and I didn't know cause I was looking at the Mini. Called the next day and they had 4 or 5 S models, just the Minis were sold out. They had just what we were looking for and picked it up that day. I've had it just 2 weeks and love it and I'm just 140 miles away from the end of the Break In.

Lin

 

I agree 100%. On my first visit to the dealer, I drove the Cooper only and was in love with it. Second visit, I said: What the heck, and drove an S. It was all over except for the increased monthly payment. I ordered the S.

I'm positive I would have been very happy with the Non-S if I had not driven the S.

FWIW, other differences between the two that I noticed:
- Chrome gas cap on S.
- S Clubman comes with DSC at no charge
- Hood scoop, Mesh grill

 

Oh yeah, other things you get with the S are:
- Checker pattern in the metal dash and door trim rather than plain on the non S.
- Front fogs
- Bigger tires and rims
- Sport Seats

Pretty sure that's correct.

 

I went with the S, one main reason for me was the dual exhaust - that really got me. After I spec'd them both out, it was a minimal difference so I upgraded, and I really like to have the assurance of a little extra pick me up when needed.

 

Sport Seats are available with the Sport Package on a "justacooper" (Non-S)
Front Fogs are also an option.
16" Wheels on Non-S (Sport Pkg.)

 

one is a blast to drive...

the other is even more of a blast to drive...

either way you'll be happy. I'd suggest test driving both. If you feel the regular is adequate, stick with it. If you think the extra power and possible maintenance issues (replacing turbos, etc.) is worth it, go for it.

 

Haha thats soooo funny cuz a guy locally that I know named his MINI that haha "S Car GO" he has a sticker of it on there too