I seem to remember that most matchups (1 and 2) typically compare an MCS to a VW GTI. VW's seem to win simply because of the high cost of optioning out an MCS.

Of course, there seems to be few matchups since the 2011 engine upgrade and possibly the much lower cost base non-S would be more competitive.

However, with the upcoming release of the Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S, has the comparison equation changed so to speak now that small inexpensive Japanese sports coupes will be available again after quite a long hiatus?

So how will a FR-S/BRZ stack up against what looks to be a somewhat similarly priced and 'powered' MINI Cooper S (MCS) Hardtop? Both are considered to be great handling - but fairly small cars. So is the FR-S/BRZ in a league of it's own and closer to a Porsche Cayman - albiet lower powered - or is the "BMW engineering" MCS the real sports car and is the FR-S/BRZ just a little overstyled buzz box?

 

The power/weight will be similar between the MCS and the GT 86, and they're both designed to handle, but that's about all they have in common.

I'm guessing the MINI will get notably better gas mileage, especially once the F56 comes out, and it's a stubby little FWD Hatchback, compared to the RWD Coupe GT 86. Will some people cross-shop them? Yeah, but I wouldn't say they're natural competitors.

That said, it will be very interesting to see where the Toyobaru stacks up in testing like the Lightning Lap. All signs point toward it being a capable track day car. However, even if it's faster around the track, that wouldn't be anything new. Even the V6 Mustang is faster than any factory R56 around a track, too, but I don't think MINI is losing many sales to the V6 Mustang.

 

Mazda 3, Speed3, GTI, Fiat 500... Just some thoughts.

 

Agree. Although the Fiat seemed cheap to me and VW was out because I've had very negative customer experiences with them in the past (hard to win me back at this point).

I cross shopped the the Mazda 3 (considered the Speed3), Mini Cooper (considered the "S"), Hyundai Elantra (considered waiting for the i30, the new Touring here in the USA) and even the Hyundai Sanata Hybrid. Each are actually very different cars, with somewhat equal mileage ratings. But the Mini Cooper ended up winning out basically because of the handling, size, good mileage and wonderful fun to drive feeling of the "Sport Mode" button on the automatic step-tronic transmission.

As a daily driver and weekend warrior car, the Sport button has a two-fold function. First, it turns the otherwise boring slushbox into an incredably response fun to drive toy that puts a smile on my face everytime I push it, and the car to it's limits. I love the way it downshifts when braking for you automatically. Second, the Sport button makes Los Angeles freeway traffic driving so easy, by using it's automatic gear selection to slow in heavy traffic you don't have to constantly brake (much like the Tow Haul Mode on a Ford F250 Diesel).

Turbo's aside, it will be interesting to see where the new Hyundai Touring (i30) comes in price and performance wise.

 

Veloster Turbo coming next year will be an interesting competitor if they can sort out the handling.

 

If you are looking at a BRZ/86/FR-S or an R56, do not get the R56.

When I think of competitors to a Mini, it's the Miata, GTI, Civic, Mazda 3, etc. A Mazdaspeed 3 is a WRX competitor.


e: guesstimated gas mileage for the 86 has been 23/30, so not substantially better than a Mini.

Way closer to a league of it's own than "overstyled buzz box"

 

I always thought of the Volvo C30 as a competitor to the R56. They are similarly priced when optioned out.

 

FWIW, Consumer Reports groups the R56 MINIs in their "SPORTS CARS: SPORTY" category. Overall road test rankings (actually they rate them) from the top are: VW GTI, MazdaSpeed3 Sport, Mini Cooper (base), Kia Forte Koup SX, Volvo C30 T5 1.0, Mini Cooper S, Subi Lancer Ralliart, Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V, Scion tC, Fiat 500, Honda CR-Z EX, and Subi Eclipse GS (4 cyl.). The VW GTI is rated at 85, the MC at 81, the MCS at 74, and the Fiat 500 at 61.

Others' classifications (comparison others) of the R56 may vary.

 

Sadly that thing is a waste. I test drove one last week and it really isn't that great. But it is right for the price.

 

A friend of mine bought one and it was an option on my list for a new car. Although the technology for the price is nice it just doesn't stack up to my R55S in performance or build quality. The Veloster is a great choice for young first time new car buyers on a budget. I've done the cheap sporty car thing already. It was time for something more civilized and refined...

 

As a young (24) first time new car buyer, I also checked out the Veloster after being drawn in by all the tech. Which is pretty sweet considering the price. But then I drove it. And then I drove my 2012 Cooper S, and that made the decision for me.

For cheap unrefined sporty, I have my 1990 Miata.

 

Totall agree. That's funny, my name is also Joe (27) and Im currently looking for an NA Miata as a toy car. A new Clubman S was a bit out of my price range so I was really thinking Id be stuck with something like a Veloster again but then I found my '09 Clubman S with only 17k miles for a crazy price. Extremely happy with my purchase. The new BRZ/FRS is really intriguing though. I have a friend or two that might end up with one...

 

I rather like the looks of that car.

Not liking the Veloster looks in person. Not hearing anything special about how it drives.

How about a Ford Focus RS? Should be available soon.

I also considered a Genesis Coupe, GTI, MazdaSpeed3, WRX/STI.

 

When it gets here, I'm hoping the Fiat 500 Arbath is a worthy competitor.

 

It's a crapbox.

 

But, this ad... I want one.

 

I believe the Abarth is worth only about 133 HP.

 

You chose a mini over those cars??

 

Jeeze, that ad even made me want one...almost. Wooo bewbies!

 

160 hp, and 135 lbs lighter than an S hatchback. It may not match the performance of an S, but MINI has become too expensive for many people.

http://www.fiatusa.com/abarth/pdf/features_specs.pdf

 

Which version of the Abarth? There are quite a few of them in Europe, from my reading. Supposedly the one that they will be shipping to the US will make 160 HP. Definitely right around the MCS range.

As I said before, if they bring that out and put a base price on it of $22K or less, it will be a serious problem for the base Cooper. If they start it much over $25K, it probably won't be a problem for MINI.


Back on topic:
When I was car-shopping, the MINI was pretty much at the top of the price range. Most of the others were closer to $15K than $20K. The regular Fiat 500, the Honda Fit, the Mazda 3, the Toyota Yaris, the Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent, Ford Fiesta, Chevy Cruze Eco.

Many of them took themselves out of the running for a variety of reasons even before the test drive. I drove the 500 and the MINI in the same afternoon, and the decision was made. The ergonomics of the MINI were much better, the handling was better, the power was better, and the car was just plain more fun to drive. I felt the 500, at $15K base price, was about 3/4 of the car that the $20K Justa is.

 

FWIW I'd rather have a Turbo Yaris than an abarth

 

Duplicate post after first one didn't appear after a day or two??? Erased!

 

Just had a chance to sit in a Fiat 500 (not drive) and I was surprised how much I liked the interior. I'd say without hesitation the the 500 has one of most 'interesting' interiors of any US spec auto. The exterior seems to fall either into the love it or hate it category. But, no matter what you think of the appearance, the 500 still is small. Personally, I think that Fiat really dropped the ball by undersizing the 500 and if they would have made it closer in size to the MINI - which while still small - is big enough for plenty of US buyers. I don't know how many in the US really would want such a teeny tiny car (i.e, the current Fiat 500) - no matter how cool looking or inexpensive.

 

Yes I chose the JCW over those cars - why not?

I hate the look of the newer Mazda 3s. The GTI doesn't do anything for me even though it is a very competent car. The WRX was too big, heavy... also not completely sold on the looks. Focus RS not available when I was car searching (still not available?). The WRX STI was too much $$ and the interior... ugh. The Genesis has this totally annoying engine rpm lag for fuel economy and only a so-so gearbox. I've also had bad experiences shopping around at Hyundai dealerships in the past.

The Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S were obviously not available when I was car searching - but I also note they only have 150 ft lb of torque and you really have to rev it to get that torque. Not ideal for me but it would probably be my choice over the Genesis depending on a test drive of course. I'm glad those cars are coming out - they look pretty decent.

Out of all the cars, I bet the Focus RS would be my favorite along with the JCW - but I haven't driven one yet. I had a Focus before and really wanted a Focus SVT at the time.

I guess I wanted something fun, not boring - not something I see on the street all the time like a GTI. Factory JCWs are quite rare in Canada. It's quirky, easily customized the way I want it from the factory. I dunno, it fits me better than the other cars available on the market currently. It's still early, but so far I don't regret the decision.