So, the factory JCW has been out for a while and I'm curious about the performance gap between it and the stage 1 JCW.

I have the stage 1 and took an early Factory JCW for a "spirited" drive and didn't really feel too much of a difference. Also, Motoringfile did a side-by-side comparison and didn't feel like there was much difference either.

I will say that if I had a choice at the time, I probably would have gone for the JCW.

So, have you driven both? If so, what's your opinion? It would be best if you've driven them both in similar situations but I'll take what I can get.

 

I think all of the factory JCW owners will say there is a big difference in the performance. Since you don't have a vested interest can you elaborate a bit more on what you noticed?

I have not been able to drive a JCW factory car. I tried and I guess my sales guy didn't think I was that serious or maybe I just didn't push hard enough.

 

Since I traded my '08 MCS with Stage I kit last week on an '09, I guess I'm qualified to answer this question.

First, HUGE difference. They say in the 1/4 mile, an automatic is faster. ... If this is true, then the factory JCW is waaay faster.

The pull is a seat of your pants NOTICEABLE difference. As far as the track, the fastest I could run on the straightaway at Roebling was 108-110 before I had to brake (which was at marker 4-4.5)

The '09 JCW pulls hard till 120-122 and the brakes work better and I can brake at marker 3-3.5

The factory JCW pulls so much harder especially in the mid top end range.

HTH's,

Mark

 

+1.

I have a stage 1 and drove a dealership tester. There is a great difference.

 

I think it is obvious which one is faster just based on factory specs.

The real question is which one is the best value for the money.

I think it this way - MCS is cool and good performer by itself, but after year or two of ownership some power upgrade would be very welcome. So here stage 1 comes into play.

If MCS performance is not enough... one should go factory JCW... or... some other brand.

 

Comparing apples to apples.

2009 JCW. 30K

2008 MCS. 31K

Now, the MCS had stripes, leather seats and upgraded JCW brakes for that price. I still paid another 1700 for the Stage 1 kit. (forgot to mention the MCS was an auto...that must have added at least 500 to the bill)

So for 2700 less, I got a year newer car, a real JCW and better brakes. Even if I added the leather seats, It would have been cheaper.

That's basically the difference.... better brakes (even if you have the upgraded JCW brakes) and more power.

 

I have about $7,500 dollars additional into my 2007 MCS and I don't see where I would trade it in for a 2009 JCW. If you spend your money wisely you can closely match a 2009 factory JCW. I have driven both and I will stick with mine.

 

That seems to be what happens.... people buy an MCS (as I did) and then like Scott, added 7500 dollars to bring it closer to a JCW.

It's basically a pay me now or pay me later. You either dish out the money up front or spend the equivalent (usually more) over a period of time.

For me, it was a no brainer. Comparing apples to apples, the JCW was basically the same amount the MCW was. (perhaps I overpaid for the MCS originally....lol)

Mark

 

Orangecrush,

How would you compare the sound of the exhausts with windows up and windows down?

 

I'd say the sound of the exhaust while driving sound the same... it may be a tad louder on the JCW, the difference is hard to tell.

However, at an idle from outside of the car, the sound sounds so much better on the JCW.... it actually sounds like I have a different exhaust on the car.

Mark

 

Just to be specific - when I wrote that article on MF I was referring to two specific models - a stock JCW and a JCW Stage 1 with the JCW suspension. I was very specific in saying the JCW is the faster of the two cars in a straight line - especially on the top end. But my position is/was that you can have a much better all-round car for the same money by selecting the Stage 1 kit and the JCW suspension plus an upgrade in brakes (if you're tracking the car).

That said the ultimate car (and best starting point) will always be the JCW if you can swallow the cost.

 

Just depends on your priorities and how deep your pockets are.....

 

Just for the record, I obviously love my new JCW. Having said that, none of my comments are attempting to belittle the JCW stage I kit.

Well worth the money you pay. I just wanted more.

Mark

 

+1

and now here is the true authority on the matter

 

the brakes on the factory JCW is ridiculously sensitive, and strong. I agree with the MF comparison article above that there is very little feel to the factory JCW brakes. It feels like an ON/OFF switch. I love how I can brake super late into the corners, but it gets irratiting in city driving.

 

One word....

Carbotech.

Linear braking....

 

Prob a dumb question but is this something you have to get used to? How long have you had your car?

 

Ooooh, sounds awesome. I'm probably going to change my pads soon as they squeal like crazy once heated up. I think this is normal of high performance brakes. I wonder if the Carbotech pads will be noisy.


I've had my car for about 2 months with almost 4k miles on the odometer. I've been driving sooooooo much. I love this car.

You really do have to get used to the brakes, but you get used to it fast. You learn to lightly step on the brakes.

 

Let me tell you what I was told and what I am doing.

I'm running the XP 10's in the front and XP 8's in the rear ON THE TRACK. When I'm back on the street, I'm swapping out the XP 10's for Carbotech's Bobcats.

The reason is, you have to turn your rotors or replace them when using Carbotech's pads. The race pads won't hold up on the street and will be noisy.

HTH's,

Mark