I'm considering it for the improved fuel efficiency.

If you have, was the power loss a big deal? I'd be going from a stock 2005 MCS to a new MC.

Maybe it will help me not get anymore speeding tickets, too.

 

I go back and forth every week.

The Cooper has enough zip to still be a very fun car to drive. I would argue that it's more fun, depending upon which roads you're on.

Take one on a test drive on the kinds of roads you'll typically be driving (your commute, possibly?) and see if it scores high enough on your fun meter.

And trust me, you're just as capable of getting speeding tickets in the Cooper as you are in the MCS.

 

I've heard that the new (R56) MC's are even peppier than the R50's...

 

I've only driven the R56 MCS and I do loooooooooooooove that Turbo.

Still not liking the body style changes but that powertrain is SUWEET !

Anyway, back to your regulary scheduled thread.

 

A handful more hp, and better torque at low rpm. It is a good bit zippier than the r50. Going to a 6 speed is also a very welcome improvement. I love my R56 MC. I wouldn't even test drive the MCS when I bought the MC.

 

Yep speeding tickets are easy in both (I just got my first one in 3 years)

2003 MC

Funny thing is I was speeding to pay my registration on time as they closed in 10 minutes and I was 1 day from being late. bah

 

X2. I think you will be surprised by the R56 MC. Yeah, and don't test drive the new MCS. I warned you.

 

you will be disappointed, trust me. i went 2004 MCS to 2005 MC and now im back to a 2007 MCS. don't do it!!!!!

 

I have both, 04 JCW/MCS with heavy mods & a stone stock 06 MC/CVT. The 06 is ok for around town & short trips with the wife & daughter so I tend to drive more civil, but I can't wait to get back into the Super Cooper. If I could only have one I'd have to say MCS you can keep your foot out of it & get good mileage.

 

Ladidah -yours is an excellent question, and one that many of us (who've not yet purchased our first Mini) are wondering about. There are severals pros and cons in going with the MC over the MCS. For instance, the "pros" would certainly include gas efficiency and non-run flat wheels (15") and a donut spare, and a savings of $3K; whereas "cons" might include a discernible loss in peppiness, not to mention the externally visible nuances (airscoop, twin exhausts...). My basic question is whether or not the MC is powered sufficiently to still be a fun car for us old-farts (current Lexus owner, previous owner of BMW, Porsche). I look forward to some additional discussion on this thread. Thanks. -- Vim

 

Trust me I think you will find plenty of power in the MC...I'm 19 and driving this feels like your in a racecar...wait...it is made to be an autox

I'd say give it a test spin...I never tried the S, and I kinda want to, yet I don't because I want to keep mine for a long time...the next one will be an S I'm sure just because engine mods or more accessible, but right now since I'm a school commuter the 40mpg is heaven

These cars have a ton of pep and they corner like crazy...the MC still has S handling...and really the Cooper isnt a drag car, but speed wise it does 0-60 in 8.5 sec and the S does it in 6.7. Yes it is a little faster, but how much will that honestly add up on the streets?

 

in my opinion, there is a dramatic difference in power between the MC and MCS. the small extra cost of the MCS over the MC is worth it. but yes i agree they both corner and handle the same.

 

First, Glang - Sweet ride!

I had debated on this same issue. I have a 100 mile commute each day so that took me to the MC, and I do second guess myself from time to time, but then I think that a turbo is just another part that could go wrong and cost more to maintain. Although that just might be a defense reaction

One thing I will say is that I bought the MC for the MPG, and, even though I can squeeze 39-41 mpg, I usually get 36 because I can't keep my foot off of the pedal! So if you're like me and LOVE driving the car, plan on 4 mpg less then stated with either choice.

But bottom line you will find more things to love no matter what you choose. Let us know!

 

If you're coming from an '05 MCS just get an '07 MCS. There already is a huge fuel savings between the two. The gap for fuel economy between the R56S and non S is now very marginal.
I drive an '06 MC and couldn't consciously consider a R53. If I had to buy today it would be very tough to resist a R56S which has nearly equal MPG to mine.

 

Same to you!!

 

A few days ago I figured out the percentage difference in torque delivered to the wheels between the base and S R56 models.

http://forkinbrain.blogspot.com/2008...advantage.html

The conclusion I came to was that the increased torque on the MCS means you'll find yourself shifting less when you need to accelerate, since you're more likely to already have the power you need.

 

More shifting may be more fun? I regret not getting a MCS, but the extra power might have gotten me in trouble. The way I've been driving, my mileage stinks anyway since I enjoy pushing my MC to it's limits. To further rationalize my purchase, in line with a more "classic" look, I do like the chrome grill and smooth un-scooped bonnet. The MC suspension and 15" wheels also make for a more comfortable ride.

 

The MC vs MCS thing is overdone. Of course a person with a standard Cooper is going to say the power is adequate. Nobody wants to say something they own is not good enough. And of course an MCS driver is going to say that the Cooper is underpowered which is the reason they make a supercharged version in the first place.

They are both great cars but if you want more power then you obviously should stick to the S. On a short autox track sure the cooper is fine. But on anything else there is a huge difference.

 

Thanks everyone. Overall, I would say that gas mileage is a higher priority than more power. I drive a lot and don't do any autox'ing, but I do like to get on it. But I often wonder if having a slightly faster car is giving me an attitude. I hate it when I'm not in front. I recently got a ticket and have vowed to be a slower, mellower driver.

 

.

 

snid,

I have watched your videos and they are great. However Theo's MCS pulls away in the straights but you are obviously a good and smooth driver picking better lines making your MC faster around the course.

 

I deleted my previous post.

Yes, an MCS is faster in a straight line than a Cooper.

The "huge difference" is debatable. But debating that is silly.

I just get grumpy when people imply that it's wrong to take a Cooper to the track. Because it's not. We all have the same amount of fun, even if some people go faster than others.

Unless you're into the competitive side of things, it doesn't matter. If you are into the competitive side of things, the Cooper and the MCS are usually in different classes.

Get whichever you want. If you're so inclined, drive the hell out of whichever one you have (on a close course, of course).

 

Went from a 02 Cooper with CVT, great car to an 05 MCS to a 06 GP.

Just took delivery of an 08 Cooper Clubman with manual. Still a fun car, lots of pep, love the 6 speed in the Cooper.

The GP was a blast, but we never pushed it to the limits, so it was power and performance we just didn't need.

We like to travel, more miles per gallon = more travel = more fun.

The Clubman is a towd, so more room for stuff.

 

I think I would if the diesel was over here .... I love that torque ! But I'm totally happy with my 08 MCS

 

I have an 06 S, my wife drives an 06 Cooper (with premium and cold).

We take her car on our long family road trips (Florida, North Carolina, Indiana) for the better gas mileage and more comfortable ride. It works out pretty well.

Comparing the two, I actually prefer to drive her car around town (you don't notice the power difference, and I think hers shifts a bit better than mine) but I much prefer mine for commuting, the extra power is great when you need to merge into freeway traffic.

It really comes down to what you use the car for and what your regular drive is like.