I'm having a hard time deciding btw 2015 M235i and JCW as they are both amazing,but different. I am wanting automatic as I've grown to love paddle shifting autos and both cars shift very fast. I've always had fwd cars so the bmw is going to be a change for me. I had a bad experience in the past driving a rx-8 and lost control not even pushing it to its limit...The new Mini is much nicer than previous gen to drive but is definitely more muted in driving feel. The only other car I'm considering is new golf R DSG as I've had several VW in past I loved, but dealership experience was terrible and cars are more generic for sure. Any input is appreciated

I think for the money M235i would win it every time for me. Providing you don't go mad on the options list the M235i offers the best bang for your buck.

RWD shouldn't be a problem for you and the BMW traction control is one of the best on the market - if you push it too hard I'd rather have oversteer than understeer of a FWD but that's just me.

Golf R is a good choice but there's already so many driving around I'd want to have something different

Both are excellent cars and you really can't go wrong. That said...if this is your only car and you really are torn between them you should go with the JCW. For the simple reason that life offers many surprises and a hatch is much more useful than a coupe. Unless you want a convertible in which case you can buy the M235i today and would have to wait for the 3rd gen MINI...

M235i. Have you seen this video? Around 6:40 it becomes very interesting. I would recommend xdrive or the much more expensive dealer installed lsd to get the power down.

Does it snow where you live? Rear wheel drive is manageable with a set of good snow tires, but it's still a pain and something to keep in mind.

It doesn't snow where I live as im in south florida area. I am really torn as I love the MINI community and "being a little different" . I could care less about paying for a badge, but part of me doesn't want to be seen as a snobby beamer driver either. The M235i at least is a little more subdued compared to other models. I really would like a car where I don't need to put more money into it and can just enjoy all the performance it has. I love keeping all my cars oem and not much aftermarket besides maybe ecu tune. In the past I've had a civic hatch, gti and now a jcw hardtop and all have been my favorite cars compared to others I've had. I don't want my car to be too flashy as its not my taste, but love quality in things i purchase

There is only one MINI. They stand out in a crowd and have the same BMW tech and quality.

The BMW is just that, another of many BMW's you see everyday on the road.

Please do not misunderstand my point. The BMW is a super fine automobile, however If you want something unique and unmistakable (and you like the MINI), then there is only one choice.

So many of the cars today are indistinguishable from one another at a distance that I have to check the badging to determine what car I'm looking at.

There are only a few cars that are unmistakable standouts on the road. The Mini Cooper is one of them. JCW Mini would be my pick in a heartbeat

BMW for sure

I debated the same thing and decided to go with a JCW. BMW's are a dime a dozen around here. I had a 2011 BMW 535 and don't miss it at all. Get the MINI!

The public sees all MINIs the same, and all BMWs the same. They see them differently, in terms of brand-snobbery. If public perception is important to you, then that's your guide. Maybe it shouldn't be though?

I have a 2015 estoril blue M235i with carbon fiber mirrors, black kidney grills, technology, premium, and driver assistance package. This car was very expensive and I decided to lease it. While it is fun to drive, I prefer my 2015 MCS. My spouse drives the BMW. The interior quality and lighting on the MCS is unbelievably better than the M235i. I also prefer the LED lights and versus the Xenon on the BMW 235i. Also the ambient lighting and is a joke on the BMW. As far as performance, I like both cars. Obviously the BMW has more HP, but I think you get a LOT more for your money when you buy a MINI. My MINI has more options and cost me a little less than half the price of the BMW. Also, the MINI and the BMW are so similar in my opinion. I just feel that the options are so much more pricey on the BMW than the MINI. To me there is just nothing "special" about the BMW.

I would definitely get the Mini. There's way too many BMW's in South Florida and they are perceived in a different way than a MINI.

Besides, it's a JCW! Awesome car and it is very very fun to drive.
I live in SoFla as well, so I will be on the lookout for a new JCW

In all honesty. That M235 looks rather bland to me. Just another BMW coupe

Why would my preference influence you in any way?

Buy a 70's 2002tii, fully restore it and have fun.

I wonder whatever became of my 1973 ...

While it sounds like a good idea, you're talkng about a fairly substantial investment.