I'd like to hear your feedback on a semi-relevant issue. We're looking for a 2011-2012 CMS4 or same MY JCW Hardtop. Very different but priced similar (JCW is slightly more).

The CMS4 would be an auto whereas the JCW Hardtop would be a stick.

Thanks in advance for your sharing.

aaron

 

Get the jcw because it comes with the stick. You won't regret it!

 

I may be able to offer some insight as my previous Mini was a manual R56 (though not JCW) and my current car is an All4 R60.

It really boils down to what are your wants and needs? When I had the hardtop, it was an absolute BLAST to drive daily, despite the battle with SoCal traffic. I can only imagine what it would have been like with the bump in specs with the JCW. I loved to drive the moderately twisty roads such as highway 142 and 133 with the thrill of heel to toe shifts. In slightly spirited driving, I averaged 32mpg. In the end, the termination of the lease, lack of space and practicality made me move on. We don't have kids, but we do have two dogs to cart around and the extra space was a definite attractor.

When we switched to the CMS, it definitely lost a portion of the fun factor. Yes there is more body roll and less acceleration or "rocket" feel. The gas mileage has dropped to an average of 28mpg. But having more space and all wheel drive makes long trips much more feasible and comfortable. There was no way I would have subjected anyone to sitting behind me in the hardtop (I'm 6'2" and drive with the seat almost all the way back). With an auto CMS All4, I feel that I get a bit of everything, some practicality with a dash of fun.

If I had the option of having two Minis, I would definitely keep my current CMS and have a JCW hardtop for the best of two worlds. To choose one, it depends on where you're at with needs and wants, and finding the balance between the two.