Has anyone made this move? I have a stock 2005 6 speed convertible S with only 33k miles, and there are times I enjoy driving it more than my R8 Spyder. I'm concerned that the gen 3's may not give me that go-cart feel. In addition, I see no road test results which show any greatly improved 0-60 times between my first gen S and the new JCW.
Would appreciate any input from those who have made the move.

 

With MINI and FWD, the 0-60 is almost a mute point. I have not driven a Gen3 but have driven with them.

The overall car is longer due to crash requirements and is also taller. You want that go-kart feel then keep your Gen1. I have my vert modded to around 240 BHP so the difference in performance against the stock Gen3 JCWs is not that great. To me it is like the Porsche guys that like the modern version but love the
Will see if those that have switched will chime in.

 

If given the option, I'd stick with mine. At only 33K, you've almost got a museum piece.

 

I've had all three generations of MINI and don't feel like my new JCW has lost anything. The sport suspension is better balanced than ever, more power, and build quality and materials that are light years ahead of my previous cars. I'm glad I moved on and up. YMMV

 

I haven't driven an R52 MCS but my MA said that the G3 Justacooper 1.5L is about as fast as a G1 MCS with the supercharger. So I bet the G3 JCW is a load faster than your car. My current car is loads faster than my original R56 MCS I can tell you that much.

 

MINI dealers give free test drives.

Probably the best way to figure it out as the rest of us don't know jack about what you like.