Is the fun factor in MCS way better than MC. I drive mostly within the City on streets for a few miles for commute.

Would I terriblly miss the S if I chose go with the MC when I get on the highway or drive in the mountains.

I have not decided on Coupe or Convertible yet.

Thanks for your feedback.

 

If thats the type of driving that you do , and you dont Autocross or race, dont waste the extra money on the S, put it into some extras. The MC has more than adequate OOMPH and Kicka$$ to satisfy the average Joe. I like the non runflats that are only available with the MC.

 

There's lots of information in this thread, check it out. We debate this over and over...in the end it depends what you expect out of the car. All MINIs are plenty fun and engaging. Some owners want more power...some feel that extra is not needed. Take a few test drives and see what suits you best.

 

Well said Gokartride!

 

To paraphrase what others have said better than me, in the MC you can feel like you are really utilize the modest power that it there, in the MCS you can feel like you could never utilize all its power and/or never feel like you're lacking power. If it's a big question, 'ya gotta test drive both.

Then there's the subtle style difference, if that matters to ya.

And on a side note if you haven't heard, the ragtop is still the 1st generation model for 2007, unlike the coupe which is a new model this year.

 

The S is much more fun to me on a daily basis - I wouldn't be as happy with a non-S... but like others have said, it's all about personal preference.

 

If you do mostly city driving then the MC should be fine. How fast can you go from stoplight to stoplight?

Driving in the mountains can be fun with either MINI. Suspension is the more determining factor. Once you get going the MC will keep up, just don't slow down.

Coupe is better on performance and utility (folding rear seat and boot)- lighter weight and stiffer chassis. Cabrio is more open air and more noise, has blindspot looking rear.

If you need lots of power on demand then the MCS is better but if you drive smoothly then MC can be just as fun. Best part is when you want better mpg you'd do better with the MC. Also insurance cost is better with MC and cost is about $3000 less. Auto or manual transmissions are good. Interior options are same for both MC and MCS.

If you want to do power modifications the MCS is much better. Both MINIs can be upgraded for suspension.

Take your pick. Try to test drive both and you be the judge.

 

For me, there is nothing like the feel of being pushed into my seat back as the turbo kicks in, even if it is on my 4MPH average commute. Others can well live without it. You really have to test drive them both. Also, I would thing the decision between coupe and convertibel should be made first, since the vert has the generation 1 supercharger.

 

could not agree with you more.

 

Thank you for pointing me to the thread. It should be a "sticky".

 

Get the S, I drove both and the base seemed under powered but I drove an auto. Probably way different. I can only speak about the auto and the base felt like it wasn't in gear and the S was like a rocket ship.

 

Even my wife (who complains about me driving fast) said the regular cooper felt like nothing happened if she stepped on the gas. I'm looking for an S. But I also plan on taking it to the track.

 

This is a good thread... thanks for the info

 

i drive city 99% of the time and originally rationalized for the cooper, but eventually the heart won over and got the cooper S.

there's ample power, much more than i could ever have practical use for, but i do enjoy pulling away in traffic, quick corners and pulling away on inclines, so I always tap into that extra power of the S, and that is pure fun (safely of course).

so i'd say head vs heart choice in the end.

 

I pull away from traffic in my MC. It's got plenty of get up and go.

 

I would suggest test driving the MC, if you feel its enough power and preformace, DO NOT DRIVE the MCS.

There is a differance, I loved both, but even after my MA said if you loved the MC do not drive the MCS, i drove it and it was just more sporty. But also as others have said the MC is plenty good unless you are someone who is going to be really laying on the gas or doing Autocross.

I really think that its all in the drive, you gotta see for yourself.

 

Opposing suggestion:

Test drive both. That way you can make an informed decision based on the additional enjoyment you may (or may not) get versus the additional cost of an S. Only you can answer for yourself the question that you asked.

Otherwise, if you haven't test driven both, that nagging question will be in the background, or worse yet, you sit in someone else's S after you've already bought the non-S and feel compelled to trade up. (Costly mistake)

However, if the extra power isn't you thing, then save the cost (price, maintenance and gas).

 

Well said DaveAg. I was happy test driving the MC. After I shifted to 3rd in the MCS I told my wife "If you're gonna be a bear, might as well be a grizzly"
We got the S!
The S is calm and cool in traffic. Moves with style and ease but keep a good palm grip on the wheel. But if you need to pass a line of right laners to exit, it just growls and gets there.
Listen to the MC'ers, most are happy as can be. Rightfully so. They own fantastic cars that they love to drive. The MC is sporty and crisp, and leaves a little more folding money in your pocket at the pumps. Still a bear, just more of a black bear.
What's on your totem?

(My metaphors are bad enough to be on late night TV!)

 

If you consider all the factors, I think there can be a case made for saying that there are Cooper guys/gals and MCS guy/gals. Driver's preference. Cooper enthusiasts do not consider the added power of the MCS a benefit...leaving the MCS owners (predictably) scratching their heads. MCS enthusiasts love to be pushed back in their seats when need/desire dictates...Cooper owners look at this and go "meh, I'd rather downshift." Go figure. So these are nuances that are hard to fully grasp on a test drive or two, but for those who motor every day, the strengths of each car do not fail to impress...and engage. That is what is fun.

So you can see that clearly both cars are fun...whichever you get, learn and explore it's strengths and you will have a blast!!!

 

I test drove the MC first. I felt like it had plenty of power. Took it to an empty parking lot and whipped it around a bit. It handled and cornered beautifully.

Then I took an MCS out for a spin. That LITERALLY is what my face probably looked like the first time I floored it (after I recovered from the steering wheel being ripped out of my hands of course ). I have test driven MANY cars in the last few months while trying to decide what to buy, and I have NEVER yelled woo-hoo, and laughed like a giddy school girl while on a test drive of any other vehicle! I was sold on the MCS about 5 seconds after the first time I floored it. Way too much fun for me to pass up!