So let me start by saying I'm looking to hear from those that have actually driven, owned or have any experience with the following:

At years end I will consider jumping out of my Mini and into either of the following: BMW 135 (Msport package) Nissan 370Z (sport, touring, Nismo)
Audi TTS and at a stretch......C6 Vette.
My search engine on my computer needs an oil change after all the research Ive done on those models, so Im well informed on the brands of each.

I know they are all different and I know the pros and cons of each but has anyone come from any of those to a Mini or a Mini to one of those and what are your thoughts of the transition.

I love my Mini for what it does but want to move up the food chain and I have awesome equity to throw at the next purchase.

I know there are other good makes out there as well but these are the ones Ive narrowed it down to.

Thanks for your input and please dont bog down the thread with reasons why I shouldnt leave Mini or bashing my decision.

 

Hence the reason you have no other replies. We are going to be biased. Maybe your inquiry might be better directed to BMW, Audi and Z-car forums? (I left out the Corvette on purpose. You're stretching and you know it). I'm sure they will be happy to extol the virtues of their particular passion.

 

Here is my opinion.

Nissan 370z - Boring, "cheaply" made but fast in a straight line. No real driver feedback from the road and everyone and there mom has one.

BMW 1 - From what i have read they are quick little cars and most love them. You will be sharing the road with a bunch of grocery getters that want to say they have a "BMW"

Audi TTs - Amazing build quality, quick and not too many people have them. The only problem with TTs i see is that its not available in stick and they are smaller inside then the other two. (I personally cannot fit comfortably in the 370z). IMHO it beats the pants off the other two in the styling department and they are an eyecatcher. It, however is very boring to drive. you have no real feedback of the road and it just feels "sloshy" in the corners.

Corvette - well, its quick in a straight line and absolutely appalling in the corners. For the same price may i suggest looking into the Audi S5! Now, That is a car. Its everything the TT should be and more. Its nice and roomy, the build quality is second to none AND it handles like a dream. Its really quick in a straight line and the corning is absolutely amazing. The quatro just plants you where you need to be and the looks of the car are stunning. I will actually probably be moving out of my mini in the next couple years and into the S5. I just cant get over how nice it drives and handles

(my father just ordered the a5. for 40k you cant beat it. I just wish they didnt take out the V6 and replaced it with the 2.0T V4 211 hp.

 

I had a 35th anniversary 350Z for a few years. That was basically a mix of the highest end models, it was fully decked out and had the Brembos and a NISMO CAI on it, etc. I have driven the 370Z as well. I will have to differ from the opinion above, that 350 was anything but boring. I used to take it on hell-rides bombing the twisty canyon roads around Salt Lake City, and it performed beautifully. The VDC was not overbearing, and would only kick-in if it REALLY thought it had to save your butt. Turning it off yielded some nice predictable slides around corners. The car was a joy to drive hard. The 370Z I test drove simply seemed like more of a good thing, but granted I was not able to push it as hard. Here are some pics of the 350 I had: 350Z pics

I've test driven an Audi TTS in the past, and was not incredibly impressed. However, I've always thought of Audi's as overpriced VWs, therefore I'll admit I went in there biased. I simply wasn't seeing the value for the money. The 350/370 is a better car overall IMHO.

We also test drove a C6 vette a little over a year ago. It was violently fast in a straight line. You can't wind out 3rd gear without being into "lose your license" speeds on most roads. Cornering seemed pretty good to me, but granted we couldn't push it extremely hard on the test drive. I know it'd be enough for me. The downside to that car is it suffers from an embarrassingly low-rent interior for a 50k+ price tag. The plastic is cheap and rattles quite a bit. The Z's (especially the 370) have noticeably better interiors than the vette. Still, the vette is a good choice if you just want to "haul ***", and look good doing it. The exterior is beautiful IMO.

Lastly, we also test drove a 135 around the same time as the vette (my girl is VERY picky about cars, so we've test driven about anything you can think of under 50k). She liked the car quite well, I was unimpressed though. Its too expensive for what you get, and I'm not willing to be "the sucker" that spends an extra $10,000 on a car so that I can somehow feel good about myself that I have a "BMW".

So out of the cars you listed, I'd vote for a 370Z if you want to save money, or a vette if you have money to burn. I'd also recommend looking at lightly used vettes. We were finding used C6's with 5000-8000 miles on them when we lived in Dallas in early 2010 for around $35,000 all day long. We'll buy a C6 in the next few years hopefully, its been on "the list" for a long time.

 

The choices you're considering are all great cars. We have our '06 MCS and my husband has his 2011 Corvette Z06. Obviously the two are very different, but both fun to drive cars. The Z06 has the Z07 performance package with upgraded tires, brakes, etc. from the more expensive ZR1, so its handling is significantly improved over earlier models. The only downside to the Z06 is its interior and navigation is not as good as you would expect in this class. The amazing thing to me is how a 505 HP vehicle can get 28 mpg on the highway!

As much as my husband loves his Z06, he also loves to drive my MINI and says they look great together in the garage.

 

Well all, thanks for the input.
For those who responded, sounds like were on the same page. I agree with almost all said.

For what its worth, Im leaning tword the 370Z because of the price, features, HP and exterior styling. I owned the original 240Z so I have a sweet spot for the history.

Im moving up the chain a little at a time, so in another 5-6 years, maybe the Porsche will be in the picture, as I like the charater and feel of the German autos.

Coming soon.......'06 Cooper S for sale......

 

The 370s are great IMO. I don't know if I'd pony up the extra money for the NISMO or not though. I'd prefer to see more of a power difference for the price tag, but still, if it were within budget I'd consider it. The 370 is about as close as you're going to get to the "real deal" as far as sports cars, without spending at least double the money. I wouldn't mind having another someday.

 

Agree with the Nismo comment. The small HP bump and the aero kit arnt worth the price.
The sports pkg includes the limited slip and the synchro rev., so that's what I'm looking for.