I know there were some changes made to the 05 MCS both in appearance and under the hood but has anyone driven both an 05 and an 04? Does the added horse power and different gearing make that much of a difference?

Just curious as to whether I should be patient and wait for an 05 or go for an 04 now?

 

it DOES make a difference. You need to go for a ride in one of each or test drive one of each at a carmax or something. The hp hard to judge but the transmission gearing is very different.

 

Yep, the gearing in the 05 makes the car rev a bit faster in each gear, and isn't as likely to bog from a dead stop. I had the pleasure of driving an 06 while my 04 was getting some warranty work done. But it's not enough to make me wish I had an 05/06 or consider trading for one. I was pulling away from an 05 with a pulley on the straights at Road America, but it could have been my higher corner exit speeds. The 04's will get a little better gas mileage due to their longer gearing, and are less expensive to buy. For the amount you'd save, you could certainly make it quicker if that was your main goal.

 

Hey Dan... Is Chanute AFB still there in Aurora/Rantoule or has it been closed? I was stationed there some 25 years ago for my fire protection and fire rescue training. :-)

 

Rantoul is about two hours away from Aurora.

Looks like it was closed in '93.

 

The gearing is very nice, but there are also a lot of detailed changes, like a dashboard that is much less prone to squeaking.

I'd suggest waiting for a nice `'05.

 

I was actually in the same boat as the OP was going to go for an 05 but with really minimal difference and better deal to boot I just had to pull the trigger on the 04

 

though I am still looking for the right MINI, I have driven both a 2004 and a 2005, the difference to me was very noticeable. not so much in terms of power, but in the gearing. it just seems like the car wants to rev quicker and get going faster. when I find the right one, it will a 2005 or 2006.

 

Hey i just love my drive but if i new before i would bye and 05