2009 MC vs. 2003 MCS
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1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 31
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From: Vancouver, Canada
2009 MC vs. 2003 MCS
I recently borrowed a 2003 MCS. Although I was completely in love, I couldn't afford a MCS and ended up getting a 2009 MC a few weeks ago...
Aside from the obvious fact that the '03 MCS was much more zippy and fast, they handle completely different. With the '03 MCS I barely had to move the steering wheel to turn, park etc. and I always had to keep both hands on the wheel as the car was stiff and it seemed like I was sometimes being pulled across the road when driving over uneven pavement or a big crack. The '09 just handles like an ordinary car...Not that Stella isn't amazing.
Are the differences between the two cars strictly a MC vs. MCS situation? Or is any of this a 2003 vs. 2009 thing? I didn't test drive a 2009 MCS, so I'm just curious...
Aside from the obvious fact that the '03 MCS was much more zippy and fast, they handle completely different. With the '03 MCS I barely had to move the steering wheel to turn, park etc. and I always had to keep both hands on the wheel as the car was stiff and it seemed like I was sometimes being pulled across the road when driving over uneven pavement or a big crack. The '09 just handles like an ordinary car...Not that Stella isn't amazing.
Are the differences between the two cars strictly a MC vs. MCS situation? Or is any of this a 2003 vs. 2009 thing? I didn't test drive a 2009 MCS, so I'm just curious...
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,972
Likes: 3
From: South Florida
I own both....2005 MCS and 2008 Clubman S. Both cars are VERY different in ride and handling demeanor. The Clubman is a lot smoother (And less jittery because of the longer wheelbase) over rougher pavement and handles very nicely also. However the 2005 is more visceral and has much more of that "Go Kart" feeling. I added Powerflex Poly bushings earlier this month to the '05 and the car is a monster in the handling department.
To me the 1st generation cars feel more like a MINI should feel. The new MINIs make a greater emphasis on ride comfort and therefore they are more like baby Bimmers.
Remember that the steering ratios in the 1st generation cars are fairly fast (And fastest in the R50 Cooper models like the one you drove). The steering system is electro-hydraulic meaning that an electric motor drives the power steering pump, not the engine belts like in older conventional systems.
In The second generation MINIs, the steering is ALL ELECTRIC. There is no power steering pump nor hydraulic fluid. The advantages are a more reliable and durable system over the electro-hydraulic setup of the older MINIs. But a disadvantage of the all electric/electronic steering system is that it provides less feedback, tends to feel more rubbery and the center weight tends to be very artificial. However the electric steering system in the current MINIs is one of the best I have experienced.
But in essence, both cars are MINIs but very different in philosophy.
To me the 1st generation cars feel more like a MINI should feel. The new MINIs make a greater emphasis on ride comfort and therefore they are more like baby Bimmers.
Remember that the steering ratios in the 1st generation cars are fairly fast (And fastest in the R50 Cooper models like the one you drove). The steering system is electro-hydraulic meaning that an electric motor drives the power steering pump, not the engine belts like in older conventional systems.
In The second generation MINIs, the steering is ALL ELECTRIC. There is no power steering pump nor hydraulic fluid. The advantages are a more reliable and durable system over the electro-hydraulic setup of the older MINIs. But a disadvantage of the all electric/electronic steering system is that it provides less feedback, tends to feel more rubbery and the center weight tends to be very artificial. However the electric steering system in the current MINIs is one of the best I have experienced.
But in essence, both cars are MINIs but very different in philosophy.
I wish I hadn't test driven the R56 MCS, too powerful... 
I've had R56 MC's as loaners and really liked the handling/steering, but it's much different from my '06 MCS. Still go-kartish, but a little less brutal.
I've had R56 MC's as loaners and really liked the handling/steering, but it's much different from my '06 MCS. Still go-kartish, but a little less brutal.
Im in love with my R50 and i dont think i will ever go to a 2007 or better. In fact, last night I had a dream about a classic mini. Maybe God is telling me something? lol. But i think the Gen 1 and Gen 2 both have their pros and cons. I would love to get some mood lighting....lol
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, Canada
I own both....2005 MCS and 2008 Clubman S. Both cars are VERY different in ride and handling demeanor. The Clubman is a lot smoother (And less jittery because of the longer wheelbase) over rougher pavement and handles very nicely also. However the 2005 is more visceral and has much more of that "Go Kart" feeling. I added Powerflex Poly bushings earlier this month to the '05 and the car is a monster in the handling department.
To me the 1st generation cars feel more like a MINI should feel. The new MINIs make a greater emphasis on ride comfort and therefore they are more like baby Bimmers.
Remember that the steering ratios in the 1st generation cars are fairly fast (And fastest in the R50 Cooper models like the one you drove). The steering system is electro-hydraulic meaning that an electric motor drives the power steering pump, not the engine belts like in older conventional systems.
In The second generation MINIs, the steering is ALL ELECTRIC. There is no power steering pump nor hydraulic fluid. The advantages are a more reliable and durable system over the electro-hydraulic setup of the older MINIs. But a disadvantage of the all electric/electronic steering system is that it provides less feedback, tends to feel more rubbery and the center weight tends to be very artificial. However the electric steering system in the current MINIs is one of the best I have experienced.
But in essence, both cars are MINIs but very different in philosophy.
To me the 1st generation cars feel more like a MINI should feel. The new MINIs make a greater emphasis on ride comfort and therefore they are more like baby Bimmers.
Remember that the steering ratios in the 1st generation cars are fairly fast (And fastest in the R50 Cooper models like the one you drove). The steering system is electro-hydraulic meaning that an electric motor drives the power steering pump, not the engine belts like in older conventional systems.
In The second generation MINIs, the steering is ALL ELECTRIC. There is no power steering pump nor hydraulic fluid. The advantages are a more reliable and durable system over the electro-hydraulic setup of the older MINIs. But a disadvantage of the all electric/electronic steering system is that it provides less feedback, tends to feel more rubbery and the center weight tends to be very artificial. However the electric steering system in the current MINIs is one of the best I have experienced.
But in essence, both cars are MINIs but very different in philosophy.
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