Driving loaner 2016 MC while my 2015 MCS in service. Can't feel power difference.
 

Hi people.
Just took my car to Mini for service and few issues.
They gave me AUTO 2016 Mini Cooper base. This thing has plenty of power. To be honest I can't really feel difference between this one and my 2015 MCS.
Did things change that much from gen2 that there is not much power difference?
Heck, I'm thinking next time I'll just go with base model for cheaper and more options.
Just wondering what everyone else think. Thanks.

Gen2 base had 114 ft-lbs of torque at 4250 rpm.
Gen3 base has 162 at 1250 rpm. Much more low-end grunt.
Gen3 S has 207 at 1250 rpm.

These are July, 2014 numbers.

Respective 0-60mph wide-open-throttle times:
8.5 seconds
7.5
6.5

When racing those are big differences. When driving on the street the faster acceleration is not needed unless passing or going "wheeeee!" Picturing passenger pig in commericial.

Thanks for the numbers. Knowing myself and never racing my cars BASE might be my next car. For now I'll enjoy the S model since I got good deal on it.

The f56 justa is awesome, tons of power and very fun. I had fun driving it while my r53 was in the shop.

I spent a few days with both a 15 and 16 Justas, back to back and I noticed a slight difference between the two. what I did notice with both of those and a 15 S have a way more linear throttle response compared to the R56s I currently own. At first I liked the linearity of the new motors, but after a few days I was waiting to get that vtec style kick in the pants the R cars have.

Had a 4 door justa loaner while my 2015 S was in the shop. I couldn't wait to get back in to my car. No balls in that justa. Not sure if it was the added weight of the 4 door configuration.

You are kidding right. Although the Justa is quick the F56 MCS is way quicker in every way. How many miles on your car? There are significant gains with age 10K+
The Justa is not much lighter and the MCS has a much more powerful engine.

Rather serious here 😱
My 2015 MCS has 9000 miles. This 2016 MC has 1200 miles.

Both 3rd generation right. If do that has certainly not been my experience. Maybe for the first 30 feet....

My MA said the F56 Justa is about as fast as the R53 MCS car is. I never drove one but I bet I'd like it as did the OP.

Cooper/CooperS comparison
 

My first MINI was a 2013 R56 MCS w/AT and 16" rims/tires (12,000 miles). My Current MINI is a 2014 F56 Cooper w/AT and 16" rims/tires (18,000 miles). On 9/30 I took my Cooper in for the rear seat impact recall. To my surprise they also performed a recall repair on the oil filter housing assembly. During the course of this I was given a 2015 F56 MCS to use as a loaner. It was equipped w/AT and the 16" rims/tires. I was able to drive the loaner for 260+ miles at both freeway and urban speeds.


Without a lot of numbers and stats, and mostly personal opinion, this is how they compared:

The Cooper at 2690 curb weight feels lighter and more responsive in handling and initial throttle response. The ride is fairly compliant even on rough urban streets but could use a stiffer rear sway bar to control body roll/movement. All in all a great commuter car with sporting characteristics.


The CooperS at 2825 ponds feels (and is) slightly heavier at lower speeds. The initial throttle response does not feel as lively even though the individual gear ratios are the same. The overall drive ratio is numerically higher in the Cooper and that probably adds to its more lively feel. Once into the throttle, the 30% greater displacement and 41% greater hp give a distinct edge to the CooperS. It feels to me like the spring rates and shock valving are a little stiffer on the S and the subsequent roll/body control is noticeably better than with the Cooper. The S has larger front discs and in spirited driving would be noticed as 'better' brakes.


Both are great cars. Which one is best for you depends on your diving habits and regular commute routes. The Cooper does everything very well including use as a 'lite' touring car. The CooperS does it all with greater authority. BTW, my R56 seemed rather primitive in handling and ride characteristics compared to the gen3 series but did have a lot of the good character we love in the MINI brand.