Not that I really care because fuel economy on these cars suck regardless, but I was just curious. Is the fuel economy on the freeway for the convertible with the top up worse than the fuel economy for a hardtop? I assume the hard top has been optimized for aerodynamics and there's some compromise with the soft top. Is there more drag even with the top up? What about top speed? I ask because I thought the convertibles would have a lower top speed but I'm pleasantly surprised on the track I'm easily able to pass 130 mph with the top up in my r52 cooper s, top down ofc I struggle to get past 120

 

 

Aerodynamic? An F18 is aerodynamic, check out my screen name. And, people often ask me about mileage. My response is consistent: "I don't care." If I cared I'd be driving some no fun grocery getter.
Only 4 reasons I can think of to put UP the top:
1. It's raining
2. It's snowing
3. My copilot whines about being too hot or cold and I can't hear the SC.
4. Some guys throwing beer cans in the back seat and didn't invite me.

 

Not really. About the same. Two possible factors, curb weight and roof aerodynamics. Apparently they cancel out or make no difference at all, so mpg on either is equally bad.

 

Sounds like a lot of research is in order. You will need to find equity modified or un-modified MINIs with roofs as the case may be. You will need to find appropriate roads or tracks for testing. I would suggest both drag races as well as routes to test the impact on handling.

Not sure what you will do with the information when you are done but research is critical (for something).

If you are looking for highest performance, the answer is likely not MINI. If you are looking for highest mileage, again, MINI is not the answer. If you are looking for maximum fun on winding roads, MINI is the answer. If you are looking for maximum top down fun, MINI R52 is definitely the answer.

Enjoy the research.

 

Physics innit. Convertible S is 2% heavier than equivalent hard top (The "justa" is even more handicaped, nearly 12% heavier!), so all else being equal it will be less efficient in the real world. I would expect it generates more drag too as the roof shape is compromised so that it can effectively open and close, and it definitely will be worse with the roof down (or in the "correct position" as its known).

That said Ive never considered the mileage to be terrible by any stretch, but maybe thats cos mine is not supercharged. There are many far less characterful cars out there getting less than 30MPG.

 

Yes ... Just like a pick up truck with an open bed or the open cockpit of your R52 reduces aerodynamic effects, the flow of air spoils into the open area of the cockpit (or truck bed) and increases drag thus slowing the car, this effect can be mitigated by adding more throttle ... if you find that you no longer have that option, then you can add ... performance exhaust, SC pulleys, larger injectors, ported and polished intakes, JCW compress, Cold Air Intake, remapping the ECM curve ...

<smiles>

Motor On!
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