MINI vs BMW 120i (1 Series)
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4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 321
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From: Mexico
MINI vs BMW 120i (1 Series)
BMW has just started selling the 5 door (hatch) BMW 1 Series in Mexico, so I went with my dealer for a test drive.
The model I drove was the "top" of the line for the moment, a 120i with a six speed transmission and 150 bhp.
In general this car is ALL BMW from the style (looks like Z4 on a VW Golf suit) to the assembly quality, to ride and handling. I was specially impressed by the handling of this little rear-wheel drive car. The car is very neutral (understeering is non-existent) and on the limits it oversteers slightly (traction control systems fix everything amazingly well).
In terms of power I was dissapointed, as 0-60 times felt very similar to my MINI Cooper (MINI has a clear weight advantage). First and second gears felt specially slow. The MINI is faster from start.
Fun Factor. The BMW behaves like all BMWs: Perfectly composed, very tight, but for me the MINI still beats it in the Fun to Drive Factor. The MINI feels much more connected to the road. After almost two years with my MINI it is still a pleasure to drive and keeps bringing smiles every time you push it to its limits. The BMW is so composed that it doesn´t bring up any smile.
Still, I think this is a great addition to the BMW family (but not a car for me, I´ll kepp my MINI, thanks). Great competition for Audi´s A3 and Alfa Romeo´s 147. I think this car is not sold in the US, but the 2 Series (a coupe version of this car) will be.
The model I drove was the "top" of the line for the moment, a 120i with a six speed transmission and 150 bhp.
In general this car is ALL BMW from the style (looks like Z4 on a VW Golf suit) to the assembly quality, to ride and handling. I was specially impressed by the handling of this little rear-wheel drive car. The car is very neutral (understeering is non-existent) and on the limits it oversteers slightly (traction control systems fix everything amazingly well).
In terms of power I was dissapointed, as 0-60 times felt very similar to my MINI Cooper (MINI has a clear weight advantage). First and second gears felt specially slow. The MINI is faster from start.
Fun Factor. The BMW behaves like all BMWs: Perfectly composed, very tight, but for me the MINI still beats it in the Fun to Drive Factor. The MINI feels much more connected to the road. After almost two years with my MINI it is still a pleasure to drive and keeps bringing smiles every time you push it to its limits. The BMW is so composed that it doesn´t bring up any smile.
Still, I think this is a great addition to the BMW family (but not a car for me, I´ll kepp my MINI, thanks). Great competition for Audi´s A3 and Alfa Romeo´s 147. I think this car is not sold in the US, but the 2 Series (a coupe version of this car) will be.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,469
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From: Atlanta/Amsterdam
I have driven it as well and the 120i is no competition for the Mini in terms of performance. The only one that starts really moving is the 120d. It does feel more BMW, than the Mini, but in terms of feature by feature comparison, it is still hard for the 120i to beat the Mini. Unless you like the iDrive:smile:
Neutral
Joined: Nov 2004
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Is it Safe to drive a Beamer in the D. F.?
I was wondering,
Since we always hear nightmare stories of kidnappings. Would it be a good idea to drive an expensive looking vehicle in the streets of Mexico City?
Since we always hear nightmare stories of kidnappings. Would it be a good idea to drive an expensive looking vehicle in the streets of Mexico City?
Last edited by KINGMINI; Nov 20, 2004 at 02:44 AM. Reason: spelling
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 726
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No, it most definitely isn't safe.
To answer your question, everytime you drive an expensive car on the streets of Mexico City, you're playing Russian (er..Mexican?) Roulette.
It's one of the reasons I chose to move out.
Also, with massive mark-ups and a 15% tax on new cars, EVERY car is an expensive car in Mexico.
It's one of the reasons I chose to move out.
Also, with massive mark-ups and a 15% tax on new cars, EVERY car is an expensive car in Mexico.
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