So a 2014 Scion FR-S (GT86: depending where you are) is about the same price as a 2014 Mini Cooper S (give or take a few hundred bucks).
These cars have the same seating capacity, but one has 200hp and rear wheel drive.
Does this not seem like a problem for the Mini Cooper S?

 

Not really. I've personally known a couple people who bought an FRS/BRZ that came from a MINI. They miss the MINI already. Plus the amenities you get in the MINI exceed the Toyobaru.

 

Test drive them both

Because those cars are not turbo, the linear pull is boring. It handles well, VERY well, but asides from that the torque is lacking.

150 torque to 207 is significant.

I can't wait until they turbo it though, then ill revisit that platform.

I had a brz... now sold (Im in a 2012 mini cooper s now, however the BRZ wasn't traded/sold for the mini im driving)

the only other problem i felt was that the car's materials feel cheap. Then it has a host of other little problems, such as a sagging bumper etc....

 

I guess perhaps it depends on what amenities are important to you in a car. My ultimate measure for a car is performance-per-dollar, and I prefer cars with few added luxuries.

 

I had a '13 FR-S and traded for a '13 Justa Hardtop. I'm happier with driving the MINI and I especially like not driving something that looks like an exotic wannabe.

 

No.

 

2015 MCS starts at $24,100 and has 189hp = $127.51/hp
2014 FR-S starts at $25,470 and has 200hp = $127.35/hp

So no real diffence if you look solely at HP. But lets look at torque shall we?

2015 MCS starts at $24,100 and has 207ft-lb = $116.43/ft-lb
2014 FR-S starts at $25,470 and has 151ft-lb = $168.68/ft-lb

So a giant hat tip to the MCS.

Of course it all depends on what you perceive as performance? It's all perspective I suppose. But I think overall the MCS wins the Performance Per Dollar contest.

Also lets look at the ability to mod the vehicle and the benefit there. It's going to cost you thou$ands more to mod the Toyobaru to get to the same level of the MCS. Simple tune, FMIC and exhaust can net you 50hp on the MCS. Where on the Toyobaru to get 50hp you'll have to spend $3,000 + for a decent supercharger or turbocharger system. Maybe it'll get less expensive as years go along, but currently thats where is stands.

 

Folks like what they like.....
If buying a car was only a numbers and stats game, many of the most popular cars in the market would be major "FAILS", but things like style and emotion play a major part in car ownership...
Neither of which are fully qualifiable......
Besides....I bought a MINI cause I wanted something DIFFERENT....
Honda/Toyota/Subaru's all all like cockroaches where I live...mini's a bit more rare...and thus in my eyes, more desirable....
While mini's were once rare, the fact they are more common now might be one factor that is starting to turn folks off....
For most of 2005, it would take me twice or three times as long to be gas, because people would keep approaching me, and asking me questions....now...lol...there are tons of TV , radio and newspaper adds.....

 

Apples and oranges.
If you want a boring soccer mom grocery getter go with the cookie cutter utility box. If you want fun and adventurous motoring...

 

Good point, but I'm not just referring to the numbers. I think RWD adds a lot of value in that regard. But I must agree with what some people are saying: When I drive other 4-banger cars, I really start to miss the torque of my MCS.

 

Torque! It's just the best. The 20 or so ft-lbs between the 1st gen and 2nd gen made me want to switch. And I did. I'd still like to have a 1st gen too. I love the whine. So very satisfying.

 

sadly, i read a bit ago that toyobaru will Never turbo the brz. its just not cost effective from a mass production standpoint; too little room, too many components.

i thought i heard that subaru may do a stroked version, but that also looks like a rumor... instead, they will slap some dumb spoiler on it, some badges, and some already should haven been included front lip and some STI badges on it to jack the price way up.

http://blog.caranddriver.com/subaru-...o-stop-asking/

and i refuse to blow another 5k on a car after purchase to make it as fast as my current car. seems like for 5k you can make a mini super bad ***.

 

For about half the country, the RWD is a dealkiller....
Sure some want it to drift....
But as a primary car in an area with nasty weather, few folks buying a car at this price point has real rwd experience beyond a ratted out crown Vic/ex police car...maybe an older BMW...
So if the brz a threat...no.
An interesting car...yes...but different ....different buyers mostly...some overlap...maybe...mininkiller...lol..no...mini has done a good job of that with crappy relilibility.

 

I personally can't stand the people that tell me FWD cars suck because they can't drift. I hate that everyone thinks drifting is the ultimate standard of performance. Don't get me wrong, I would NEVER trade my Mini for anything. Mini has a solid niche market of buyers that will always pick Mini, regardless of whatever other options there may be out there.

 

No

Griz hits it out of the park....
If you still prefer to spend the same money and get less options and amenities and an overall lesser experience than by all means!

Well you specifically said it was about the performance for dollar.......But if RWD is the single most important factor then why compare apples and oranges? To your original question.....NO they are diffrent cars for different markets.

Bottom line here is what do you want from a car? What is your intended use and expectation? Make your choice based on what fits.....

The BRZ is an excellent platform to learn track based performance driving. Its affordable RWD and underpowered. You will learn fundamentals and how to drive a smooth line to keep your momentum.

If you want a car that you drive everyday, then there is no question that I would take a MINI before a BRZ. As we always say, drive them back to back, around town and on the cloverleaf and tell me which you would rather have.

 

V-6 Mustang. 305hp, RWD. Similar pricing, 2+2 coupe. This can go on a while.

MINIs are...unique in a lot of ways. If you really want one, nothing else will do, more than likely. I love mine...but it wouldn't win many $-per-hp competitive analyses. I wasn't concerned when I bought it, still don't care. I enjoy the heck out of it.

 

+1

 

Yes sir, I love my Mini! Just wanted to hear some thoughts on the subject.

 

Likewise, apple and oranges. Japanese horses / reliability versus "ours." The BRZ would be my next car.... still love my MCS!