Hi All -

This thought occurred to me the other day as I have joined a different community of motoring enthusiasts. Bear in mind I use the term nemesis without malice - not referring to hatred, but to a competitive nature, a little jealousy, etc.

I'm a long-time Audi driver and over in Audi-land (won't say Audiworld because I hate that place) there are two nemeses - Subarus and BMWs. Subarus because they compete in the same manner (AWD + turbo) and tend to outperform Audis (especially for the money). BMWs because they compete on the same luxury level and again... tend to outperform their Audi equivalent.

So with MINI... what would be the nemesis? I was thinking Scions would qualify since they have a similar "you-ification" mantra; a small, mod-friendly, fun car designed to be very practical for the size/price. Another thought was the VW GTI - the 'competitive' hot hatch. Maybe the VW New Beetle for the retro-hatch contingent.

Another related thought is how MINI doesn't really have a strong side-by-side competitor in the hot-hatch segment.

Any thoughts?

 

The MINI is certainly part of that "techy, young 'n hip" crowd that which others like Scion, Honda (Element), VW GTI (and Rabbit), and few others belong to. However, I haven't really felt a direct competition with another manufacturer, because I feel the car is so far set apart... But that isn't to say that import tuners don't feel the competition on their end, and feel the need to challenge me every stoplight I come to... >.<

As far as the Coop not having a strong side-by-side competitor... That's kinda bogus. One could go out and get a Civic Si for the same price, a Mazda Miata, an S2000 for a little more, or even - as I would do - go for a Suby or Evo - for a little more and get more bang for your buck. And since most of these are not FWD, they would, in terms of handling on the track, be a better choice.

If money is not the object, and size/classification is, then the Lotus Exige would be the nemesis and ultimate winner in that comparison...

I like the MINI because no matter the age group, you still turn heads.

 

I tried to find a "Mini-like" non-Mini a while back and had no luck. I tried VW, Honda, Audi, Toyota/Scion, and even Volvo.

btw, Volvo has a retro model which came the closest to the Mini in character but was not quite there in the fun-to-drive category.

It would be nice to see a couple of direct competitors to keep BMW from becoming complacent.

 

I had I to work on my expenses on a saturday night (xmas money) so I went to the local starbucks to get some coffee. When I came out all the young guys were around the GP admiring it they surprisingly knew excactly what it was. They offered me on a run with their club of mostly Subes (non STi), Neon SRT, and Si's. Mentioned seeing me in a green MCS before, that sounded nice. Mostly, I have gone against Mustangs, BMWs, Big Trucks, and MIATAS (dusted me two seperate occassions) Surprisingly, not too many Hondas come up, but those dammn Miatas I hate them, I declare them our arch rival, our nemesis, our sworn enemy. Tell everyone Miatas are chick cars. LOL

 

Actually, lots of MINI owners also own Miatas. Many early-adopters of the MINI are/were Miata folk. The Miata folks are very sporting and love their Miatas as much as we love our MINIs. I don't see them as our enemies. I see them as our cousins.

 

I guess my statement about side-by-side competition had a lot to do with the combination of style and sporting character. Sure, there are cars in the similar price range that would easily outperform the Mini - I'm not delusional.

The STI/EVO have set a new standard for value and performance. The S2000 and Miata/MX-5 I don't consider direct competition as they lose the practicality of the hatch.... however I do recognize their combo of light weight/good power/small size as making them a competitor. I could see a MINI/Miata showdown on an Autocross course. I know they are classed differently, but they do have some of the same character.

I hadn't considered the Honda Civic SI... that car isn't even on my radar! Honestly, I see 15 Audi S4s, 10 Mini Coopers, about 1000 BMWs and roughly 1 Civic SI every day. Working in Yuppieville will do that to you I guess.

 

What is it about WRX drivers that when they pull up next to a MINI at a light they just have to flex their muscles and rip down the road when the light changes. And if they ever get behind you on the twisties they ride right on your tail.

I have found this to be nearly universally true. Are all of these guys on the same hormone pills? What's the deal?

 

The new Fiat 500 might be a good "nemesis", but I haven't heard any reports of it having the outstanding handling of our MINI's. . . .

 

So far, I don't believe the MINI has a nemesis, although I suspect that will change. I'd say the VW GTI comes closest. But nothing has that MINI ride and appearance. It is unique in that regard. Right now, if I got rid of my Mini, I'd probably get a Mazdaspeed 3. It certainly out-performs the Mini, but it's such a different experience, I couldn't consider it a nemesis.

 

From what I have read about it so far, the Fiat is going after Mini's "cuteness" and not much else. Plus, it's a Fiat.

 

I once came across a very small BMW. It was a one door. And that door was the whole front of the car, that opened on a hinge, taking the steering wheel and dash with it. The rear wheels where about 3 feet apart and the size of the wheels on a radio flier. Anyone know what I'm talking about? If that, or something like it, was somehow put out again, maybe.....

 

The Isetta?

 

I don't know?

 

Yeah every freaking arrogant Audi driver on the road.

 

 

Yeah, except that one has 1 rear wheel and the steering wheel isn't on the door..... strange. That has to be it. What year is it?

 

 

Like this?

 

Just found this:

After micros such as the Smart and the Fiat 500, BMW is considering bringing back the Isetta.The original Isetta was powered by a rear-mounted motorcycle engine that delivered about 12 horsepower. On the original model the only door was its swing-away nose panel.


The modern Isetta, unlike the original, will have four wheels and two doors on the sides. Also the new Isetta will retain the egg-shaped silhouette of the original. At the moment, redesign is in the earliest stages, BMW may not make a decision on it until 2010. The new Isetta would be powered by a clean engine that would be the most ecological BMW.









The old BMW Isetta One of the most successful microcars ever produced, wich was also known as a bubble car because of the bubble-like windows and an egg shape.

 

The isetta's steering wheel is attached to the front door and as you can see it does have four not three wheels.

 

Cool. Where can I get one and how much can I expect to pay? I'd look, but I can't access e-bay, etc. at work.

 

They even made a pickup.



The pickup is 18K

 

Try thhis link to see other microcars.

http://www.microcarmuseum.com/virtualtour.html

 

Thanks! I like that rocket motor 3rd brake light!

 

My Great Aunt had an Isetta. As a kid, I thought it was the coolest car in the world. To enter and exit through the front was just wild back then.