How to justify...
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,808
Likes: 3
??? what 
? As far as I know no declared vehicle weight ever includes a single passenger's weight as that's the most variable aspect of this equation. The closest a car's specs comes to that is supplying a Gross weight, which specifies the weight of all permissible cargo and passengers.
I don't know your country as it's not in your sig or other place in the post. But the US car's specs for the Mini Cooper S on page 201 of the manual reads:
Curb weight, ready for travel, with all optional extras:
> Manual Trans: 2668 lbs / 1210 Kg
(that definitely doesn't imply it includes a driver's weight, but rather all fluids; tho, wonder why the US car's a few lbs heavier than your country's)
Approved Gross Weight
>Manual Trans: 3484 lbs / 1580 Kg
If "ready for travel" means fully laden with fuel, and wiperwash (and cup holders filled with 1L bottles!
), and one doesn't have a loaded Mini (I do have almost every option), I guess I see now how the car's about 2500 lbs or less stripped of all options with an empty tank. I thought my car was closer to 2800lbs with the sunroof. With the assumption sunroof weight is included in "all available options", I feel a lot better now. And can believe the 2500lb statement for the base car sans all options.
? As far as I know no declared vehicle weight ever includes a single passenger's weight as that's the most variable aspect of this equation. The closest a car's specs comes to that is supplying a Gross weight, which specifies the weight of all permissible cargo and passengers.I don't know your country as it's not in your sig or other place in the post. But the US car's specs for the Mini Cooper S on page 201 of the manual reads:
Curb weight, ready for travel, with all optional extras:
> Manual Trans: 2668 lbs / 1210 Kg
(that definitely doesn't imply it includes a driver's weight, but rather all fluids; tho, wonder why the US car's a few lbs heavier than your country's)
Approved Gross Weight
>Manual Trans: 3484 lbs / 1580 Kg
If "ready for travel" means fully laden with fuel, and wiperwash (and cup holders filled with 1L bottles!
), and one doesn't have a loaded Mini (I do have almost every option), I guess I see now how the car's about 2500 lbs or less stripped of all options with an empty tank. I thought my car was closer to 2800lbs with the sunroof. With the assumption sunroof weight is included in "all available options", I feel a lot better now. And can believe the 2500lb statement for the base car sans all options.it states that the MINI Cooper S's weight is 1105kg, where "The figure quoted includes a 90% tank filling, 68 kg for the driver and 7 kg for luggage."
also the JCW is 1205kg with the abovee added weights
Last edited by etalj; Sep 22, 2009 at 06:04 PM.
Not every purchase is a rational one. I bought my JCW simply because driving it puts a smile on my face. It' capable on the street and on the track. I have a 1997 993 Carrera 4S with quite a few mods and it is also fast and fun and is frequently on a racetrack. The JCW is not quite as fast but feels every bit as quick. And, it is certainly every bit as entertaining. For me, deciding on a car should be based on passion rather than logic.
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 547
Likes: 0
From: 40°-55'-44" N / 73°-24'-07" W [on LI]
just attached a snapshot from the official MINI website down here in aus.
it states that the MINI Cooper S's weight is 1105kg, where "The figure quoted includes a 90% tank filling, 68 kg for the driver and 7 kg for luggage."
also the JCW is 1205kg with the abovee added weights
it states that the MINI Cooper S's weight is 1105kg, where "The figure quoted includes a 90% tank filling, 68 kg for the driver and 7 kg for luggage."
also the JCW is 1205kg with the abovee added weights
>BTW, I'm so sssooo glad you added the last line. I had thought, as I had read so many others had thought, that the JCW was the same weight as the Cooper S. Very very important to know it's 100kg more! Could then the US weight, which is listed in the manual that I cited as a Cooper S, be 100kg more than is listed in the manual?
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 3
From: H-town
I can't imagine what different spec an Aussie model would have that would make that much difference but MINIUSA quotes 2701 lbs for JCW Coupe, unladen weight, and the Cooper S coupe at 2634 lbs, 2668 with automatic transmission. Could be that the US model gets more standard equiptment?
Couldn't have said it better myself. My JCW is not the quickest, it's not the fastest nor does it handle better than any car out there.
What it does do is everything GREAT! It puts a smile on my face everytime I push the button and it is what drives my passion about the car.
Could I afford a faster, better handling, quicker car? Absolutely.
Do I already own a faster, better handling or quicker car? Absolutely.
But which car do I drive the mostest.... thaaaat's right, my JCW.
Mark
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,552
Likes: 10
From: Des Moines, Iowa
Saying that I am, was a speed freak, is an understatment. I'm a grass roots hotrodder. First new car: 1965 Dodge Coronte 426, then 1967 GTX with 440, then 1969 Dodge Daytona, pre wing car. That's my early history. Then got into Streetrods: Deuces, 34 sedan, 39 ******, another Deuce coupe, 24 Dodge sedan and finally now a 2007 Miata.
Of all of these, speed is definately there, I enjoy performance. No, I'm not in the Porche 911 category, I'm just an over the hill guy that wants, NOW, the complete package. Performance, handling and economy in gas. Although I think that Mini is missing the boat if they don't come out with a JCW Diesel for the USA, that would be a killer car with the close to 300 ft lbs of torque.
I guess what I am beating around the bush about is, Mini puts together, as close as a car company can for + or - $30K, a complete car. A great handling car, pretty darn good in line performance, plus what most others don't fuel economy. That's why in the near future I wlll have a JCW Mini Cooper.
Of all of these, speed is definately there, I enjoy performance. No, I'm not in the Porche 911 category, I'm just an over the hill guy that wants, NOW, the complete package. Performance, handling and economy in gas. Although I think that Mini is missing the boat if they don't come out with a JCW Diesel for the USA, that would be a killer car with the close to 300 ft lbs of torque.
I guess what I am beating around the bush about is, Mini puts together, as close as a car company can for + or - $30K, a complete car. A great handling car, pretty darn good in line performance, plus what most others don't fuel economy. That's why in the near future I wlll have a JCW Mini Cooper.
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 678
Likes: 0
From: Phila, PA
Speed junkie?! Try pinning the throttle on a 998 Superbike. I swear the vacuum the air creates as it rushes past around your helmet sucks the breath out of your lungs. It is scary, violent, funny, shocking and exhilarating all at the same time. Pure sensory overload...and then you have to turn 
.
To me it is up there as one of the most memorable sensations I have ever felt in my life.
The mini doesn't even compare. But it is a memorable drive. Its a different animal. It taps your senses a different way. One drive told me that and I wasn't even driving the JCW. I thought to myself after I finished my test drive in an S... they make a faster one than this?! Sold! I did not even have to drive it. It does not and has not disappointed me one bit.
If you haven't pulled the trigger on one, stop considering them. This car is not for you.
.To me it is up there as one of the most memorable sensations I have ever felt in my life.
The mini doesn't even compare. But it is a memorable drive. Its a different animal. It taps your senses a different way. One drive told me that and I wasn't even driving the JCW. I thought to myself after I finished my test drive in an S... they make a faster one than this?! Sold! I did not even have to drive it. It does not and has not disappointed me one bit.
If you haven't pulled the trigger on one, stop considering them. This car is not for you.
Last edited by SmokeM; Sep 24, 2009 at 10:30 PM.
Speed junkie?! Try pinning the throttle on a 998 Superbike. I swear the vacuum the air creates as it rushes past around your helmet sucks the breath out of your lungs. It is scary, violent, funny, shocking and exhilarating all at the same time. Pure sensory overload...and then you have to turn .
To me it is up there as one of the most memorable sensations I have ever felt in my life.
The mini doesn't even compare. But it is a memorable drive. Its a different animal. It taps your senses a different way. One drive told me that and I wasn't even driving the JCW. I thought to myself after I finished my test drive in an S... they make a faster one than this?! Sold! I did not even have to drive it. It does not and has not disappointed me one bit.
If you haven't pulled the trigger on one, stop considering them. This car is not for you.
.To me it is up there as one of the most memorable sensations I have ever felt in my life.
The mini doesn't even compare. But it is a memorable drive. Its a different animal. It taps your senses a different way. One drive told me that and I wasn't even driving the JCW. I thought to myself after I finished my test drive in an S... they make a faster one than this?! Sold! I did not even have to drive it. It does not and has not disappointed me one bit.
If you haven't pulled the trigger on one, stop considering them. This car is not for you.
Smoke,
Hey bud, that's kinda harsh. The OP just wants some honest input. There are probably many mini owners that either a) aren't satisfied or b) though they "own" a mini, they aren't really mini owners. He's just looking for some honest input.
On a side note, you're right about the bikes. Been riding for the last almost 30 years. Though it was 3-4 years ago, I spent the previous 5 years on the track.... hard to beat that adrenaline rush.
Mark
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,552
Likes: 10
From: Des Moines, Iowa
I've never been a biker, rode across a parking lot on the back end of a Ducati once, that was enough. Been 140 mph down the drag strip in a SS/A car back in the 60's, that was a ride. Taken my 92 Plymouth Lazer thru some nice hair pin curves when I had it in the 90's, and put my current 07 Miata thru some nice scenic curves too. I like the curves, that is why I'm going with a Mini next year. The reason that I've asked the question as to whether the JCW or the Mini S with the JCW tune kit, which is the best valu, well not so gentle twisting roads are more interesting for me now. As for on the track? That would really interest me, only if there were such things here in Iowa. Thanks for all the advice on this subject. I've pretty much made up my mind to the factory JCW, without the sunroof.
Those days are gone, nowadays my Harleys are my choice of cruising... must be getting old.
Mark
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 678
Likes: 0
From: Phila, PA
MarkyMark,
No, man. I should have added smilies or something. I'm a nice person, really.
<- See? LOL
If the Mini isn't doing anything for him, then he should move on. Life is short, ya know what I mean.
But coming back again and again to something that doesn't float your boat, to me is to me is wasting precious time. Removing it from the list of possibilities opens up new possibilities. Maybe a GTO from the late 60's is what he's looking for or a new retro car would do the trick. There are just too many other possibilities to choose from. Coming back to an "expensive" Mini (which I agree with him, the pricepoint of the JCW was on the borderline for me...if it would have stickered a little higher, I would have moved on, sad to say) for consideration is just crazy. The new Camaro puts out over 300hp for a six banger, the 8 must be insane. Too many cool options out there to waste time on a Mini if you're not IN love with it.
One drive or one look is all it should take.
Peace
No, man. I should have added smilies or something. I'm a nice person, really.
<- See? LOLIf the Mini isn't doing anything for him, then he should move on. Life is short, ya know what I mean.
But coming back again and again to something that doesn't float your boat, to me is to me is wasting precious time. Removing it from the list of possibilities opens up new possibilities. Maybe a GTO from the late 60's is what he's looking for or a new retro car would do the trick. There are just too many other possibilities to choose from. Coming back to an "expensive" Mini (which I agree with him, the pricepoint of the JCW was on the borderline for me...if it would have stickered a little higher, I would have moved on, sad to say) for consideration is just crazy. The new Camaro puts out over 300hp for a six banger, the 8 must be insane. Too many cool options out there to waste time on a Mini if you're not IN love with it. One drive or one look is all it should take.
Peace
Smoke,
Hey bud, that's kinda harsh. The OP just wants some honest input. There are probably many mini owners that either a) aren't satisfied or b) though they "own" a mini, they aren't really mini owners. He's just looking for some honest input.
On a side note, you're right about the bikes. Been riding for the last almost 30 years. Though it was 3-4 years ago, I spent the previous 5 years on the track.... hard to beat that adrenaline rush.
Mark
Hey bud, that's kinda harsh. The OP just wants some honest input. There are probably many mini owners that either a) aren't satisfied or b) though they "own" a mini, they aren't really mini owners. He's just looking for some honest input.
On a side note, you're right about the bikes. Been riding for the last almost 30 years. Though it was 3-4 years ago, I spent the previous 5 years on the track.... hard to beat that adrenaline rush.
Mark
Thread Starter
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2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 87
Likes: 1
Well I decided, I am definitely going to purchase a 09 JCW. Just have to decide if its the used one I'm looking at and save 7-8K or order a new one to my liking, or trying to get a deal on a remaining 09. I really don't want a roof.
And for my speed fix...I have been on the fence about getting one, and I think I'm going to pull the trigger on this as well.
And for my speed fix...I have been on the fence about getting one, and I think I'm going to pull the trigger on this as well.
Neutral
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Excellent choice on the Hinckley Triumph. I've owned about 7 or 8 of the Hinckley Triumphs (including the original Speed Triple) and many of the Meridian Triumphs. Although many will surely disagree, I believe the Triumph 3 cylinder to be one of the best street motors of all time. My 675 Daytona sounds like an Indy car at 13,000 rpm.
Well I decided, I am definitely going to purchase a 09 JCW. Just have to decide if its the used one I'm looking at and save 7-8K or order a new one to my liking, or trying to get a deal on a remaining 09. I really don't want a roof.
And for my speed fix...I have been on the fence about getting one, and I think I'm going to pull the trigger on this as well.
And for my speed fix...I have been on the fence about getting one, and I think I'm going to pull the trigger on this as well.
Tis cool man, I knew that... that's why I made the comment.
Congrats on your decision whether it's new or used.... you sound like a car guy and now you sound like a mini car guy. Like smoke said, minis aren't for everyone but if you're a car guy, I think it'll work.
And for my speed fix...I have been on the fence about getting one, and I think I'm going to pull the trigger on this as well.
I hate you... I've looked at the T's quite a few times and thought that bike would be a blast at the track or for some good twistys. I don't want to "race" the bike but it'd be cool to take it to the track to play.
I'm gonna have to check them out again.
Mark