Parker,
Boy, did you throw gasoline on a fire! I love talking about my MINI. : )

I test drove both cars extensively. The MINI people let me test with no sales person in the cars and a full tank of gas. I really put the cars through the paces early one morning in an empty industrial park and new I would buy one with the first test drive. I really liked both models. When I sat down and configured the cars with sport seats (a must) and SS+ suspension ( recommended) options they got a lot closer in price.

Why I chose S model? The grin factor was worth the extra $. The std MINI handled as well, no question, but my car is a daily driver. I've driven slower small cars before and on the interstate, or in heavy highway traffic, that can be a life altering experience. I felt the S model had significantly more power which = safety in my book. Also I figured the S resale value would be greater. It seems the std MINI resale is just as good however.

If you were looking for primarily a well classed solo car, the std MINI has the absolute advantage in HS. A novice can do well in HS. The S model in GS is good (for now). As a street car I would pick the S model no question.

Options? Packages are set up nicely and seem to make sense. You can also order individually every option, which seems to be a rare thing theses days. The MINI USA website has a car configurator that you can "build" your MINI and price it.

I ordered the "Luxury" package and would again. It came with sunroof, climate control, cruse control, steering wheel audio controls, and trip computer. I never had climate control and didn't want to pay for it ( it was free with the package), but it works really well and I'm glad I got it. I know the sun roof adds 60+ pounds at the roof but I will go on a diet and loose
60 lbs if I think I have a shot at Nationals. ; )

I got the leatherette seats for durability. BMW has nice vinyl products. Most people think they are leather anyway. I'm happy with them and they don't slide at all during solo racing.

I paid $700 for upgrade 17" wheels and tires. Money wasted in my opinion. The ride was worse and the wheels + tires weigh 50 lbs each !!!!!! They looked better than the stock 16" wheels but I would have been happier with aftermarket lighter wheels. Did I mention the run flat tires just suck. I got rid of those and the ride improved significantly. The S model has no spare. I just carry a cell phone and a can of fix-a-flat.

Options I wish I had. Cold weather package which includes heated seats, washers & mirrors. A bargain. I was too cheap.

To sum it up, I would get the same car again but less the wheel option and add cold weather package. The car is a compromise, but much less than a Miata or Celica. I can fit a trip to Sam's Club in the back with the seats down or a extra set of R compounds if you are so inclined. People are astonished at how much stuff you can actually stuff into a MINI.

Live the dream.