Drove my '05 Forester recently, and was freaked out by the comfortable ride and the near absence of squeaks and rattles! Still, it wasn't easy to pry me out of my R53, beacuse it does have the fun-factor, but in times when I find myself needing the extra cargo space, it's a surprising relief to get away from those brutal run-flats on the MINI for a while. You don't realize how they wear you down, in daily driving, until you drive something else (or just replace them, I guess).

 

to the OP,I was just curious what kind of 1/4 mile times your Mustang runs.I've always been Mustang fan

 

I'm not a good driver plus the Stang is more of a "Get Ice Cream" or Show Car with track capability. I'd say mid 12's under ideal conditions with an experienced person behind the wheel. Anyway it's another fun car. I did stuff with a Mustang group...show's, a parade, organized drag racing. I took it for a Trade In about a year and half ago for a Mini. The appraisal was pretty poor so I walked. Just as well. I'm keeping for now. If I sold it I'd put $$ toward a JCWC. I'm lovin the Laurel E.Mini. Just hit 1000m.

 

Very nice looking cars.I love the pepper white,my favorite color on a Mini.

 

Nice looking cars. I have a 09 SRT8 challenger in the garage next to my mini and at the moment I am enjoying the mini more the the high hp car.

 

You must not have been paying attention to Mustangs for the last several years. The '10-'11s especially handle quite well.

That said, I agree that the current cars are heavier than I would like. Then again, so is everything else now. Case in point, my '93 Mustang weighs ~27xx lb... in the same range as an MCS/JCW. BTW, that's in the process of getting an Independent Rear suspension from an '04 Cobra. It will handle competitively, to say the least, when I'm done with it... and be powered by a Turbo 4-cylinder.


FWIW, my dad has a '01 GT (Bullitt) with a Vortech Supercharger that makes ~375whp. Point being, pretty similar to your Procharged GT making 399whp.

Anyway, in absolute street trim (Fuzion 245-width tires @ ~40psi, crap in the car, absolutely nothing removed, etc.), I drove it to a 12.9@111 in ~90 degree FL weather with a 2.0-2.1 60'.

Basically, I'm agreeing with you. Your car could do mid-12's in it's sleep with even minimal prep and good driving... maybe even low-12's with Drag Radials or great driving.

 

It's all about fun.

 

True... and running 12's was definitely fun. ... though not nearly as fun as Road Atlanta.

 

That is good driving.
I launched at low RPM's and did not heat up the Tires (Nitto DR's). I just wanted to have fun without getting towed home. I was running low 13's and stopped racing. I was starting to get the hang of it. I'd like to race the Mini someday. It seems to be asking for a run. I'm keeping it stock (I think) but getting tempted to Tune it. Just hit 1000m

 

Exactly... that's why we stuck with the street trim. You start breaking stuff when you have a lot of traction.


FWIW, the MINI doesn't need anything to be a competent, fun track car... except, in your case, a track group that allows people to drive convertibles

 

Thanks for the info. I'm looking for a group for controlled runs. Nothing serious...not going for the gold ring. Just want to open it up where it's safe and legal.
I have not punched it yet and won't beat on it...but I can feel the potential. It has pretty good throttle response and I really like the stock gears. Like you said....It's ok out of the box...just add gas

 

No problem... and there are several groups that do track days with "Novice" groups, where all new drivers are in the same group and are all accompanied by an instructor. Regarding being ready to go out of the box, I drove 8 hours up to Atlanta for MINI vs. Porsche, drove the track at Road Atlanta HARD (at least the second session), and then drove 8 hours back immediately following the event... didn't even change the tire pressure.

 

I hate when my Mini is in the shop or something and I get stuck driving my parents 300c that thing feels like a boat compaired to the mini. I find it really hard to see anything around me in it.

 

every track group puts drivers out by skill level, and the novice group is tons of fun. There are usually volenteer coaches that will help you improve your skills. If you do a HPDE, you will NEVER drive the same on the street again. Not because you're speed racer, but you will be much more consious of the dynamics of turning.

And for you Mustang guys out there, check out www.griggsracing.com. You can get your Mustang to handle worlds better. Any year from 65's like mine up to the current car.

Matt