From 60's muscle to mini
 

I recently said goodbye to my 500 cid 60's muscle car. I needed something to fill the void of sport driving so I picked up a 2007 Mini Cooper S. Although it doesn't have the nail-you-to-the-seat torque of the old Plymouth I really enjoy the handling and spunk of this little car. I've read a lot on the forums here already and have found a ton of helpful information. I hope to learn much more.

Love muscle cars too myself. Not having that torque throwing you into your seat, does suck sometimes, but really for a tiny 1.6L it does a good job. Owned mine about 13 days and have not regretted a single day.

I've owned a few muscle cars through the years ( Mopars mainly ) and i do regret selling my 69' Dodge Charger R/T for peanuts nine years ago....oh well.

You dont get the big block grunt in a mini but you do get awesome handling and great power to weight ratio. I prefer the R53 mini overall but there are plenty of ways to get good power out of the turbo motor in the R56 these days.

Coming from a big ol Mopar you wont ever have problems parking the mini thats for sure!

Ouch on the 69, I'd be crying giving the keys away. I was thinking about getting a big ol' V8 but really living in Seattle, I drove a leased ford fusion and that was a boat here... It is still funny getting out of my car next to some big SUV. Seeing the size difference cracks me up every time. Nothing beats a nasty V8 in sound, but for a 4 pot love the deep bellow.

Exploring the "sport button" on the Mini, still not quite sure what its purpose is but it does feel like the throttle is more responsive.

Having that I assume an auto? Sport button, Stiffens suspension, increases throttle response, increases breaking sensitivity (not entirely sure but to me it did), and the computer changes shifting points downshifting (using semi-auto) is increased revs (this adds cool points to your 110hp car [sorry thought it was funny on my mom's mini cooper {non S}]) It really is a mislabeled button should be the "your car should feel like it does when this button is pressed, and in thus pressing this button should be comfort mode" But when driving her auto I always use it and semi shift. Cannot stand the downshifting on the auto.

Thanks for your input Yukinoinu. No, my car is actually a manual 6 speed. I've read that it's wise to avoid the automatic cars as they have had a lot of trouble with their automatics. They even have an ongoing class action suit regarding enormous repair costs involving the CVT transmissions.
I really haven't experienced much outside the improved throttle response with the sport button. It may be more effective with an automatic car.

Welcome to NAM, Longgone and congrats on your fantastic looking MINI. Thanks for the pic. Happy motoring and please don't forget to wave.

Thank you for the welcome Mr. T. I'm going to my first Mini meeting with a local club this Thursday. I should be learning proper Mini etiquette. :grin:

huh wouldn't think that a manual would need a sport button... maybe a soft suspension button but that just seems weird xD

Etiquette
 

Back in to all parking spots...say "motor on" when you leave and always remember, we are "Not Normal"
P.S. I came from a 454 Big Block Chevy and don't regret a single minute (now getting 36MPG Freeway)...I've had my 2010 Mayfair S JCW Tuning Kitted Hatchback for 11 months...still seems like the day I bought it!

Thanks for the pointers Gearheadaddy, now I won't appear as "GREEN" at the first meeting. Making the adjustment from muscle car to Mini has been easier than what I imagined.

If you consider yourself a true MINIac:grin:, and you're devoted to saving the MINI wave:nod:, please consider joining The League of Extraordinary MINIacs.

You can become a member here:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...y-miniacs.html

If you are a Facebook user, you can join us here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1404114396479123/

No big commitment, except your oath to help us in our endeavor to save the wave!

Welcome to NAM! Power is good if you only go straight! Just whip that MINI around a corner a few times and your smile will come right back!

I think I can speak in place of him if I am not wrong he will miss the loud rumble and the amazing idol of a muscle car. At least that's what I would miss.

Correct the old Plymouth plowed through turns, this little guy sticks `em like a slot car.

I miss the speed and torque of the car, the feeling of going through the gears in that car was incredible. It really got your blood pumping. On the other hand I'm enjoying the handling, economy, and practicality of the Mini. While I'm no longer driving around a 50 year old, steel American muscle car, I've come to realize that Minis do get some respect, when people refer to your car they don't just say "your car" is......, they say "your Mini" is.......and I like that recognition.:) This car is going to be fun.

Yessiree today I got the "thumbs up" from another driver going by with a passenger in my Mini. She asked "does this happen often?" My answer: "yup you betcha"...Just plain fun I tell ya!

I too am finding "the wave" among Mini owners. Very cool, sort of unites everyone. Before with the old muscle car I would seek out long stretches of straight road without intersections. Now I find myself looking for the most winding roads I can find. :grin: