Hey All,

Long time no post. Sadly, my '08 MINI was totaled last week by someone running from the police.

I'm out hunting for a new '13 Cooper hardtop (not an S). I've found one w/out sport suspension, but with 16" wheels. My last two MINIs have had sport suspension. The dealer is a few hours away so, I'm asking you folks.

Do you think I'm going to miss or notice a difference w/out the sport suspension?

Thanks!
Allison

 

Should definitely be noticeable unless there is a big difference in tires on the two cars.

 

Hmm. Any chance you mean *should not be noticeable* ... I'm going 16" to 16.
Else I'm not quite sure what you mean.

Thanks!

 

I have a '13 base Hardtop with regular suspension. I've never driven a Mini with sport suspension so I can't compare. I don't track or compete in any way and I wouldn't want anything different. It's as firm and easy handling as my '13 FR-S was.

 

I'm not sure I'd notice the absence of the sport suspension on the street. I'm pretty sure I've driven MINIs (dealer loaners, rentals) that didn't have it, and I didn't notice.

Having said that, I like the sport suspension and wouldn't want a MINI without it, though I do compete (autocross) and drive on track. I'm pretty sure I'd notice its absence then.

 

The big difference would come from dissimilar tires such as Continental Extreme Contact DWS or ProContact SSR. That difference in ride could easily overwhelm the difference in suspensions.

With identical tires, whether you would be likely to notice a difference in the supension's rides on the street will depend on the condition of the street. Smooth; no. Full of bumps; yes.

But if we are talking handling, which I presumed, then the difference is certainly detectable when playing.

 

i drove the sport suspension and hated it. the stock suspension on my ride is firm enough for california roads

 

The sport suspension and runflats are not a good combination on bad roads.

 

Thanks for everyone's thoughts. I went with the very handsome '13 Pepper White I found in PA.

Good point about the loaner cars/rentals. I'm sure I've been in a few with regular suspension and haven't been bothered.