JCW vs GP comparsion
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1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2006
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I appreciate everyone's feedback. We are going to be picking up our GP (0706) in late October at Mini San Antonio, TX. As a wise person once told me, "knowledge is power" and I feel like I got some good advice on this thread! Thanks again!
6th Gear
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,433
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From: Gloucester, MA, USA
Hi Steve ... I passed 6,000 miles yesterday 
TagURit, the GP doesn't have "JCW components and carbon fibre everywhere" - or did you mean *your* car does?
The GP is 100lb less than a basic MCS (one with 16" wheels and no sunroof). The aero kit - including underbody panels - help it cut through the air a little easier; and the extra hp helps too ...
The suspension makes the ride on 18" runflats about as good as my other MINI with 16" non-runflats.
Here's a quote from Joe, who drove GPMINI this weekend - Joe's own car is modified to a level at least equivalent to a JCW (including the JCW engine programming!):
(see the original post here)
TagURit, the GP doesn't have "JCW components and carbon fibre everywhere" - or did you mean *your* car does?
The GP is 100lb less than a basic MCS (one with 16" wheels and no sunroof). The aero kit - including underbody panels - help it cut through the air a little easier; and the extra hp helps too ...
The suspension makes the ride on 18" runflats about as good as my other MINI with 16" non-runflats.
Here's a quote from Joe, who drove GPMINI this weekend - Joe's own car is modified to a level at least equivalent to a JCW (including the JCW engine programming!):
I must say I was very impressed with Ian's GP.The car is very fast.There is no comparison to my modified '03S.The ride is as smooth or smoother than a regular Cooper with 15" wheels,yet it corners as if it is on rails.I drove the car on very rough roads and it was a pleasure.The roads were also wet and the tires stuck very well
6th Gear
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,704
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From: Washington DC- Annapolis MD
Still working on my first 1,000 miles !!!! motoring with a GP is a different experience.
I tried the JCW and after three years of MCS I find that the GP is just unique. I like how tight and stable the car feels !! Can't wait to open her up in a few days !!!
Only one regret: I should have ordered two so my husband could drive his instead of drooling over mine !!
MD GP 0142
I tried the JCW and after three years of MCS I find that the GP is just unique. I like how tight and stable the car feels !! Can't wait to open her up in a few days !!!
Only one regret: I should have ordered two so my husband could drive his instead of drooling over mine !!
MD GP 0142
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 364
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From: Galion, OH
I've just put 2000+ miles on GP0180, and I can say that this is a much different car than my '03 heavliy modded S. It is very smooth, quiet, sophisticated, yet fast as well. More torque, snappy response, more BMW ish than my other MINI.
Highway miles very comfortable, I agree this is a keeper. MINI gets a thumbs up for this edition
Highway miles very comfortable, I agree this is a keeper. MINI gets a thumbs up for this edition
Turbius Maximus
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,416
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From: Infinity and beyond
I am in amazment with the GP... maybe it's the alta sized interkewler that comes with it... but it was AMAZING! for a factory built car... and the price... it had enough pep that I would leave it as is... and just drive the heck out of it everyday... leaving the Silly HP mini as the toy...
Hmm, I think I need to take another look then. It didn't appear any larger on that day... but I didn't exactly have a ruler to measure.
4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 302
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From: Las Vegas
I took the covers of both my S and my GP. The Gp is two rows deeper front to back.
Turbius Maximus
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,416
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From: Infinity and beyond
I'm confused by this statement, Tuls... during MTTS, I opened my bonnet right next to a GP, so we could directly compare what they both looked like side-by-side (JCW vs. GP). The intercooler looked EXACTLY the same as my JCW, same size, everything, except that the cover for the GP intercooler is black instead of silver.
sorry.... lemme see if I can clarify... uhhh... the thickness is not bigger... but the surface area is pretty much the same as the if alta.... it covers the spark plugs for instance... which means to check them you would have to pull it off... intercoolers are prolly one of the top three most important things for boosted cars... and the MINI one is very well sized for what they had... but still enimic from my expirence... the GP is how it shoulda been from the get go..... heh he.. but that's ok...
I stand corrected!
6th Gear
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,433
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From: Gloucester, MA, USA
Funny thing - one of the first things Paul (who tracks his MINI) did when he saw GPMINI on Saturday was get out a ruler and measure the intercooler! 
1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 46
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3500 miles on GP 0223. I have handed my car over to many friends for a drive. The car was a bargain and the total is absolutely more than the sum of it's parts. The car has many, many little mods that make it an amazingly responsive car. Only serious complaint I hear among my friends from Monterey early delivery is the noise level. Since I couldn't care less about listening to any music in my car besides the sound of driving, I think it rocks!
For any of you trying to analyze the pros and cons of the car; until you can drive one you will be talking out of your...ummm ... hat.
For any of you trying to analyze the pros and cons of the car; until you can drive one you will be talking out of your...ummm ... hat.
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 329
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From: San Marcos, TX
Loving the GP
Just passed 4,000 miles this weekend. (Ian, over 6,000 miles already, wow!!) My wife and I did MTTS for a week, from Monterey to Dallas, and it was a lot of fun. When you're on a trip, you'll have some luggage in the back, which will help absorb some of the "road noise" which on certain surfaces can be annoying. Pics, on the camera, from MTTS, still need to download (large memory cards are great), and I've been too busy with work since then to take more pics (although I've washed the GP many times and done a good first full Zaino treatment, of course). Love the GP, and I still love my MCS, although with 5 cars around the house, I've got the MCS for sale. We live in Plano, just "up the street" (5 hours) from San Antonio. PM or email any time you're going to be in the area, of course. I'm very pleased with the GP and expect to enjoy it for quite some time.
Hi GoodFinder, I will be heading your way come late October in order to pick up our new baby (GP 0706). 
I appreciate your response. From your post, it sounds like you've put some miles on your GP and I was just wondering what your impression was on comfort on these trips. What are your likes/dislikes? 
Do you have any pictures of your car? We are picking ours up from Mini San Antonio. Are you any where near there? If so, it would be nice to touch base with you when we pick up ours, if at all possible...one Mini GP owner to another!
I appreciate your response. From your post, it sounds like you've put some miles on your GP and I was just wondering what your impression was on comfort on these trips. What are your likes/dislikes? Do you have any pictures of your car? We are picking ours up from Mini San Antonio. Are you any where near there? If so, it would be nice to touch base with you when we pick up ours, if at all possible...one Mini GP owner to another! 
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 319
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From: state of confusion
I took the covers of both my S and my GP. The Gp is two rows deeper front to back.
I opened my bonnet right next to a GP, so we could directly compare what they both looked like side-by-side (JCW vs. GP). The intercooler looked EXACTLY the same as my JCW, same size, everything, except that the cover for the GP intercooler is black instead of silver.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,433
Likes: 1
From: Gloucester, MA, USA
Hands up those who actually have a GP ...
The GP intercooler is bigger than the stock intercooler.
The JCW intercooler is IDENTICAL to the stock intercooler - only the cover is changed from black to silver.
Therefore ... the GP intercooler is bigger than the JCW intercooler!
The JCW kit doesn't replace the intercooler - why would you think it's different!
http://www.gbmini.net/JCW.shtml
The GP intercooler is bigger than the stock intercooler.
The JCW intercooler is IDENTICAL to the stock intercooler - only the cover is changed from black to silver.
Therefore ... the GP intercooler is bigger than the JCW intercooler!
The JCW kit doesn't replace the intercooler - why would you think it's different!
http://www.gbmini.net/JCW.shtml
6th Gear
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,433
Likes: 1
From: Gloucester, MA, USA
Follow up to this old discussion - lots of pics of GP and stock intercooler ...
http://www.gpmini.net/gallery/intercoolers
http://www.gpmini.net/gallery/intercoolers
4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 302
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From: Las Vegas
[quote=GBMINI;1160835]Hands up those who actually have a GP ...
]/quote]
At the autocross a couple of weeks ago, one of the MINI owners brought a friend over to show him the GP. After a few half accurate statements, he told the friend that the GP was built in Oxford. I corrected him gently, that the GP was built in Italy.
With a sniff, he turned his back on me, and continued to regale his buddy with what he thought he knew. I don't suffer fools well.
Of course, I can't believe that the debate over GP lug bolts size is still going on.
]/quote]
At the autocross a couple of weeks ago, one of the MINI owners brought a friend over to show him the GP. After a few half accurate statements, he told the friend that the GP was built in Oxford. I corrected him gently, that the GP was built in Italy.
With a sniff, he turned his back on me, and continued to regale his buddy with what he thought he knew. I don't suffer fools well.
Of course, I can't believe that the debate over GP lug bolts size is still going on.
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 97
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From: San Francisco, CA
I think you're forgetting a couple of other key things such as:
- Revamped intercooler
- Revamped supercharger
- Revamped injectors
- Revamped ECU
- New underpanel aerodymanics and wing that are functional (these were wind tunnel tested)
- Less unsprung weight from rear aluminum trailing arms.
These PLUS the items you've listed make for a more refined and balanced car than the JCW. Period. I've driven both and own the GP and that's my honest opinion. I'm not trying to knock down the JCW in any way. Love the car, but it's no match in my opinion to the GP and for $31K at that. I priced them both and there's no way you can match the $31K in building out your own JCW.
For those debating the Mini S with JCW vs. the GP, the real decision should be oriented towards sheer performance above and beyond the JCW OR creature comforts and customization with a JCW.
Now ask me if the GP is perfect for what it's true intention was meant to be... Of course it's not perfect. There are lots of things I feel the car comes short on (e.g. weight savings being a big one). Mini can't satisfy all tastes, but I think they did a more than decent job with the GP considering what they had to go through to get it out there.
Sure, some will say wait for the next generation GP etc. etc. etc. But one thing's for sure. It won't be for $31K AND it won't be supercharged. If you're in to turbos, great. Just remember that turbos chew up engines and have more problems in the long run than a supercharger.
My two cents.
- Revamped intercooler
- Revamped supercharger
- Revamped injectors
- Revamped ECU
- New underpanel aerodymanics and wing that are functional (these were wind tunnel tested)
- Less unsprung weight from rear aluminum trailing arms.
These PLUS the items you've listed make for a more refined and balanced car than the JCW. Period. I've driven both and own the GP and that's my honest opinion. I'm not trying to knock down the JCW in any way. Love the car, but it's no match in my opinion to the GP and for $31K at that. I priced them both and there's no way you can match the $31K in building out your own JCW.
For those debating the Mini S with JCW vs. the GP, the real decision should be oriented towards sheer performance above and beyond the JCW OR creature comforts and customization with a JCW.
Now ask me if the GP is perfect for what it's true intention was meant to be... Of course it's not perfect. There are lots of things I feel the car comes short on (e.g. weight savings being a big one). Mini can't satisfy all tastes, but I think they did a more than decent job with the GP considering what they had to go through to get it out there.
Sure, some will say wait for the next generation GP etc. etc. etc. But one thing's for sure. It won't be for $31K AND it won't be supercharged. If you're in to turbos, great. Just remember that turbos chew up engines and have more problems in the long run than a supercharger.
My two cents.
The GP is a package with limited options as far as trim goes, but gives 8 more hp. (3.7% increase). 207 vs 215 in a pocket rocket the size and weight of a mini is pretty negligible difference really. The 0-60 times are "Less than 6.5 sec" for the GP vs 6.5 sec for the JCW. This is according to MINIUSA.com. How much less is anybody's guess. Not a huge enough difference for MINI to quote numbers...
If you order a JCW, you give up the 8 hp, but can get the colour and trim packages you want. This is why I didn't go with the GP. I wanted certain things that were not an option on the GP (The English Panther seats and I wanted a back seat. They take it out in the GP to save a bit of weight). I also hate cloth seats, and that is what you get with the GP whether you like it or not.
You get 18" wheels standard, but they are an available option on your regular JCW if you want.
The brakes are the same on both cars, standard, as is the LSD.
You get the JCW suspension kit as part of the GP, Again, you can order the suspension kit option for your regular JCW.
You get a different aero kit. Personally I'm not into spending $$ on bolt on plastic parts that are ineffective for 90% of the driving one does with a daily driver. Pure bling, really.
You get red mirror caps...well, you can do that too with a regular JCW. If you want.
The GP is a far more LTD production model though, although the JCW is also limited compared to an S and also has a serial #, etc., which is nice if you are into that sort of thing.
Basically, you are getting fewer options (most race cars are "bare bones"), 8 hp and a plaque with the GP "exclusivity" for the same price as a fully optioned, custom ordered JCW. Then again, those 2000 cars are identical. With a JCW, your car is unique, so which really is the rarer car?
If you order a JCW, you give up the 8 hp, but can get the colour and trim packages you want. This is why I didn't go with the GP. I wanted certain things that were not an option on the GP (The English Panther seats and I wanted a back seat. They take it out in the GP to save a bit of weight). I also hate cloth seats, and that is what you get with the GP whether you like it or not.
You get 18" wheels standard, but they are an available option on your regular JCW if you want.
The brakes are the same on both cars, standard, as is the LSD.
You get the JCW suspension kit as part of the GP, Again, you can order the suspension kit option for your regular JCW.
You get a different aero kit. Personally I'm not into spending $$ on bolt on plastic parts that are ineffective for 90% of the driving one does with a daily driver. Pure bling, really.
You get red mirror caps...well, you can do that too with a regular JCW. If you want.
The GP is a far more LTD production model though, although the JCW is also limited compared to an S and also has a serial #, etc., which is nice if you are into that sort of thing.
Basically, you are getting fewer options (most race cars are "bare bones"), 8 hp and a plaque with the GP "exclusivity" for the same price as a fully optioned, custom ordered JCW. Then again, those 2000 cars are identical. With a JCW, your car is unique, so which really is the rarer car?
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