This has been bothering me... for the first time since I've been buying cars, I bought the slow version... or at least, not the fastest version available.

I've had a VW Jetta VR6, Bmw M3, Subaru WRX (among many other cars) and I still own a Volvo S60 R (ipd) and my wife has an MB E500 Wagon (Brabus).

However, for my MINI, I picked an MC over the MCS. Yes it is slower and softer... but here is my reasoning:

1.) Only the fastest MINIs will be anywhere near as fast as my Volvs or the wife's E500. Both cars do 0-60 in about 5 seconds. Volvs has clocked in at 4.9. Thus, even with mods, speed would be disappointing.

2.) Keeping the others, so I just need a daily driver with great mileage, and reasonable comfort for an hour commute (each way) through mid-maine.

3.) Looks aside (I do plan on getting some 17 inch black rims, for the summer), the cooper can be had with soft suspension and 15" rims. The ride is very acceptable on the highway.

4.) Price difference allowed for leather, NAV, convenience package, etc... which is more useful during a boring commute on a straight highway.

Did anyone else with a sporting mind end up choosing an MC over an S?

 

I don't see a lot of 'justacoopers' on here

I bought t he MC as I don't need the turbo or speed. I just need a good daily driver that gets me where I need to go. I won't be moding it or racing either. To me the turbo is just something else that can go wrong.
And like you, it afforded me to add other options. I also like a smooth ride as apposed to a sporty ride.
I totally understand why a lot of people want the S model though. I just don't have a need for it right now. I really don't drive a lot but I will be driving a bit more once I get my MINI!

 

I have the budget for both, I chose the MC and Navi and other goodys, but ordered a R8 for speed

 

I compromised with my wife -- she wanted me to get a better MPG car by trading in my truck. She also wanted me to keep it under a certain dollar amount.

I thus made the decision to add interior style and comfort and pass on the S version. This gives me a daily driving car that has style, history, character, and a culture! Wife is happy. I'm happy.

A couple years from now when we get all of our debts paid off -- I'll get an S. For now this will quench my thirst.

 

I got the MC coupe because it suited my needs, daily commuting and fun weekend motoring, and frequent trips into Manhattan. Its look and styling grab me. Besides, if I'd've gotten the S, I'd've probably lost my license by now. I tend to have a heavy foot.

Around curves and up and down hills I push the S button for higher revs and tighter handling.

CROC 411

 

I just ordered an MC Classic which is the base model in Canada. I am selling an '87 Porsche 944 to subsidize the purchase. The Porsche (and its predecessor Porsche) has been my daily driver for the last 5 years right through the bitterly cold and snowy winters here. Unfortunately I have been stranded a few times, and have grown tired of it. Porsche parts for this model have recently grown more difficult to get my hands on so that is another factor. I do all my own work.
I wanted a FUN car as a top priority, which this go-kart definitively is (will be when I get it). Secondly I will save, by my calcs, about 1300$ a year in gas between the Porsche and the MINI, and that saving will only increase as the gas price continues upward. Lastly, the Cdn Federal government has a $1000 rebate program for purchasing very fuel efficient vehicles and the MINI with 6 speed manual trans qualifies. Bonus!

GG
Calgary, Canada

 

I'm just waiting for the Dealer Dude to call me tomorrow so I can throw money at him. I took my Dad to a nearby dealership and test drove the MC (I drove the S initially) figuring I should really test drive the MC since that's what I'm gonna order. On the lot was an open Clubman non S. I got distracted for all this evening wondering if I should go Clubman or MC or MCS! To tell you the truth I loved the MC. I hated the ride of the Clubman, then did a build on the Clubman S knowing I should only go S. Then $$$ drove me away.

All this evening I've been building and rebuilding MC, MCS, Clubman S's to justify any of them.

I'm back to the original plan: SS/B MC with three nifty pkgs, but this time I will add the DSC.

Maybe I'm stressing out about the decision, but it's still a nice chunk of change for a second car. In any case, I empathize with you and your decision.

d.

 

I went with an MC for a lot of the same reasons as Red Dragon (especially the lead foot one!) Just before I ordered my MC, I test drove an S, just to be sure. That's one fast little car, but I had a feeling that I'd be paying a lot more for it in the long run, in tickets! For me, the MC had what I want: handling, fun, plenty of pep and pickup, great fuel economy, and I really do like the looks of the MC better. I was able to get all the options I wanted and still come in under a lesser-equipped MCS that I'd spec'ed out on the configurator.

Now it's the really hard part: waiting!

 

I just did it. I ordered my MC. The deed is done and I feel good about my purchase. I got all the options I wanted and don''t feel like I have to tighten my belt too much to pay it off.

 

I wanted the fuel economy and lower expense. You don't need the S to be the coolest 30+ mpg car on the block.

My compromise was to get auto -- so my wife can drive it ("just in case", as she says )