Hi everyone.
I was just wondering if anyone's driven an non-S cabrio and an S-cabrio and felt a significant difference in anything (handling, speed, power, etc.) same with the sports package.

Also if I buy one without the sports package now. Can I add the dsg, seats, and other performance hardware later.

I have a weird situation and have a brand new non-s now but I'm thinking of selling it (I won it in a contest - yes I've thought about depreciation and taxes). This is a performance question.

Basically is a non-s, non-sport mini toothless?

 

Well, I've got a non-S with the sport package. It does well for me. I've got a motorcycle for going fast, but it's no slouch. I'm happy with it.

I did test drive both models.

The S does have the thrill factor. It's small, nimble and fast. The 6-speed is cool too (mine's a 2005 with a 5-speed). My reason for not going to the S was strictly the speed. I know me... I know I drive fast... I know I drive a lot (70,000 miles in 3 years)... I know I'd have speeding tickets to deal with.

Given the chance to get an S now, hell yea, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

Given the chance to get the turbo S that is coming soon, I'd take it for 2 reasons. The speed and the gas mileage they're currently getting out of the turbo's.

Packages are personal preferences. I did it for financial reasons and yes almost everything in the car can be had independent of the packages.

 

I would not characterize any MINI as toothless...not at all. Different drivers have different takes on this, though...test driving is the best way to choose. It'd be great if there was a simpler answer, but there isn't.

 

I wasn't going to buy an S, and the JCW package seemed overly indulgent to me when I finally decided to go new (which was because I couldn't get my hands on a used one)

I have both the S, and the JCW. Wish I had the sport button they have on the hardtops, though I can't imagine it being more fun.

I fully expect to have my drivers license in jeapordy as I have never had a sports car, and have gotten that letter from the state before...

and I obiously can't spell or type tonight, sorry

 

It's NOT cost effective to add the "sport" stuff later, unfortunately...

The S is definitely a faster car, by a long shot... about 50% more HP than the non-S... and the S give you more options for performance improvement beyond stock (pulley upgrade - easy and cheap extra power).

The S also CHUGS fuel when you're heavy on the throttle like me.... the new Gen 2 turbo cabrios will be MUCH better in this regard, and will have significantly more torque....

 

I have a Sport S and drove a non-sport, non-S when mine was in the shop. I am not an aggressive driver (I like to get good mileage) and I don't have any mods on my car (prefer to spend my money elsewhere), but for me, driving the non-S MINI was a bit unpleasant after being used to my car.

It's handling was comparable (since I don't push mine, I'm sure I don't take advantage of the sport options), but it's pickup was considerably more sluggish. All I want from my car in terms of performance is that it be easy to merge when I need to, and it be able to surprise people when I'd like to. The non-S version took more effort to merge (I had to rev it up a bit to make it into the same gaps), and wasn't fun even when I tried to play with it a little.

My recommendation would be to try driving both versions at a dealership though. It's really up to how you like to drive and what you want out of your car.

HTH,
Ivan

 

OP, do you already have the non-S? If you do, and you're already asking these questions, then clearly you aren't happy with the non-S car. Life is so short, if you can swing it, make yourself happy and trade it in for the S! You won it anyways, so you are so ahead cost-wise, why not?

Happy Motoring!