http://forum.miata.net/ubb/ultimateb...;f=11;t=020591

What about a 2003 vs a 2005 MINI? IS there a big difference?

 

Did you read what some of the people on that Miata forum were saying? ...I think they've been driving around with their tops down too long

How can you say the MINI "doesn't handle well" is "heavy" and leaves one thinking "My 1990 Nissan Stanza handled better".

yikes - - m

 

Hmmm, I guess its time to sell my MCS and get a Miata.

 

No car is for everyone and I would argue that going from a Miata to a MINI would be more drastic than some would think. Perhaps the people who thought the FWD MINI handled like a dog drew that conclusion because handled so differently than their RWD Miata.

I boast about the car all the time, but some are not convinced of the MINI's attributes, and that's OK. My Mini's good enough; my Mini's smart enough, and doggone it, most people like my mini.

 

Saying the Mini does not handle well is like saying the Miata is a girls car. Both statements come from ignorance and htey should know better. I am sorry for my bretherens stupid comments.

 

Well, the MINI is heavy. But to compare it unfavorably to a 1990 Nissan Stanza??!!

Let's hit those twisties!!!

 

Well said! I've had both, and they are both cool in their own way. Many of those Miata guys are just in denial . . .

 

Hey, add some bonnet stripes and a checked sunroof flag....and voila! You have a great candidate for the "Counterfeit MINI" site!


Clover

 

I believe it was even stated here on NAM that there have not been any front wheel drive Sports Cars. I agree the Miata thread must have been an example of someone going from a RWD car to a FWD. It might also be problemmatic for someone used to an M3 to drive a Carrera.

Fascinating MINI bashing on that site. Part of it was due to the MINI's high price. Part of it due to its not being Japanese engineered. Part of it due to whimsical design. Miata owners must be thrifty, prudent and serious (I almost typed "dull", but that would not be fair). Curious that the BMW M3 site praised the MINI as NAM praises the M3. But NAM folks also praise the Miata. It's mainly the SUVs that get bashed in NAM and then usually as a genre. MINI people tend to appreciate all sorts of cars. No wonder one of the Miata posters (who drives both Miata and MINI) was in disbelief that an auto enthusiasts website would bash a car like the MINI.

And, thanks, chrisnl, for reminding us of that supreme autocrosser from halcyon yore--the Nissan Stanza.

 

One of the reasons I like this site is because the people are fair about other cars. In retrospect, I probably shouldn't have dragged this link over here, but I get irritated at some of the bashing that takes place elsewhere. To be fair, at the end of the thread, it seems that the people got fairer and more factual.

BTW, what about the 1979 Scirocco, would you call that a fwd sports car? It was the best handling car I drove until I got a Miata in '91. It was a 5speed (the first year). Personally, I would call it a fwd sports car, but perhaps my memory has been altered by time.

Just curious.

 

The Miata IS a girl's car. Ok for girly-men, too!

 

I enjoy Girly cars long live the Miata!!!!!!! Oh sorry it is dying, The NC(3rd generation Miata) will be called an MX5 and it unfortunatly is following the path of most bigger is better mentality destroyed sports cars I will keep my NB and my MINI

 

I read those posts....

yawwn... did someone say something? who cares.


miata's imho are just practice cars for those going
onto bigger more powerful FR platforms.

 

[QUOTE=kenchan]I read those posts....

yawwn... did someone say something? who cares.[QUOTE=kenchan]



Well said.

 

I got rid of my heavily modded '78 Scirocco to get my MCS. I would definitely call it a sports car. Think 2000 lbs and well over 180 hp. God was that car fun......but it doesn't compare to the MINI. Both the MINI and the VW would be a tough battle for any Miata. I was not impressed with the Miata when I was shopping for a replacement for the VW. Was too "floaty".

 

I've had both and they are just different animals. If I could get away with 2 seats, I'd probably be more into the RWD, lighter weight and lower stance of the Miata. I could see how some Miata guys could be dissapointed with an MCS if they didn't take the time to get used to it. Plus the Miata is rock solid from a reliability standpoint. The MINI is good but not great. A rear sway, LSD, lighter wheel and non-runflat equipped MCS would probably be easier for them to stomach.

 

This quote from someone on the Miata forum was my fave:
"There is definitely something different with todays Mini and VW Bug. They weren't able to capture the original feel, need, or want that the Miata was able to do with the British Roadster thing."

Ok here's my take on that, I used to sell VW's and he's 100% right about the bug, they didn't sell well, they handle like crap compared to ANY MINI original or new,and couldn't be further from the original, I mean come on, the original rear-wheel drive beetle with enough engine work and good tires could do wheelies for crying out loud!! My friend had a Super beetle and I speak from experience!! New beetle is more like driving a Ford Windstar minivan than an original beetle.
As for the New mini not capturing the original "feel" your dead wrong there! It totally has the the feel and go-kart like handling of the original, only its a foot longer and double the weight,and although it reacts a bit slower than an original, at least outhandles and out-slaloms even the Mazdaspeed Miata. I autocross frequently, and I really don't have much trouble beating the miatas that show up with my bone stock suspension(save a rear swaybar) '03 Cooper S. Reality check....As good as the Miata does perform, the new Mini can outhandle it out of the box. You all need to go test drive one again and this time drive it like you stole it, then tell us Mini folk what handles better!