I'm looking to replace two vehicles with one. I would like something as fun as my 2003 BMW K1200RS motorcycle, but as practical a daily driver as my 2003 Audi A4 3.0Q 6MT Sedan. Obviously, there must be compromises in one area or another.

I am currently leaning towards an MCSC. With the top down, it should be nearly as much fun as the K1200RS, yet still carry four in a pinch like my A4. Some other possibilities are an A4 Cabrio or 330Cic. At a stretch (though I would rather not), even the S4 Cabrio might be doable.

Comparisons:

1. MCSC has similar performance to A4/330
2. S4 has higher performance to go with the much higher price
3. A4/S4/330 have better interior quality/comfort than MCSC
4. MCSC is more fun than A4/330, though S4 may be comparable/better
5. MCSC will fit in the garage with less rearranging of the workshop
6. A4/S4 have better traction in winter (current A4 uses Nokian NRW in winter)

These are just my impressions, estimates, guesses, of how these compare. I do not have the experience with these vehicles to know how accurate these guesses are.

My requirements are:

1. year round daily driver in Chicago
2. fun level similar to the motorcycle
3. fairly comfortable seating for long trips
4. ease of front passenger seat access (wife has a bad knee)
5. back seats for occassional use (mostly for the dog)

Given these requirements, do you have any comments on how the vehicles mentioned compare? Do you have any other recommendations I should consider?

Thanks.

 

MY SO is a bike rider and simply loves the Mini - as much or more then the E46 M3 he used to have as well as the multitudes of other performance cars he has owned/driven. I think it all boils down to the sharp handling, nimbleness, and immediateness of the car (if that makes sense). The driver is really in touch with the car, the road, everything, more akin to a go kart or motorcycle then many cars that leave the driver somewhat distanced and numb from much input.

We've had two new Minis, both hardtop - I can't remark on whether the 'vert would be the same as its a bit heavier and has different suspension and likely different handling dynamics due to the loss of the roof, but it sounds like you are set on it.

IMHO, of the cars you mentioned, the Mini is certainly going to be the most fun akin to the fun of a motorcycle - the other rides are simply too heavy and cushy to be compared to a bike. The only other 'verts that I can think of along the same lines are all 2 seaters so they are out.

Guess you have some test driving seat time ahead :smile: Drive a tin top MCS for the heck of it too, you may find that the sunroof will give you enough sky if you prefer the handling.

Cheers

 

We went and looked at the a4/s4 last week. We thought it was way too much VW. Our VW has alot of the same interior materials as the A4, we did notice that the S4 had much better interior quality than the a4. We ended up buying the new M35.

 

eVal, the '05 MCS convertible has similar if not the same feelings of connectedness, nimbleness and control that you mention for the tintop MINIs.

Tim, the getrag 6-spd stick and LSD are a great combo, but if you're like me, you'll prolly want to get Ian C's MINI Circuit with DSC Track Mode. Otherwise, the DSC (which is extremely agressive and intrusive for non high-speed driving on my car) will drive you nuts.

Anyway, I think the MINI will give you that feeling of driving FUN that you seem to be looking for. I'd recommend the Lotus Elise, except that it would be downright cruel to try tp put in-laws, never mind a dog, in the tiny, furnace-like luggage area of the Elise.

_Dave_

 

After you drive one for a while, the other cars seem boring. You hit the comapros on the head, I think too. A bit less space, a lot more fun. A friend with a Porsche Boxter now has a Mini. My neighbor with two ferraris now has a Mini, and he sometimes takes the Mini to the track instead of the F355! I have a modified Mustang with $16k in the suspension (and not wasted $ either), for most endevors the Mini is more fun!

The only real issues is that the back seat has seats that are big enough, but not enough leg room. For more than two adults, it might be considered cruel and unusual punishment! But my wife and I get our baby in there, and all her crap, even for long drives.. for short drives, adults can tolerate the rear seat.

But if you ever go to a city, you have tons more parking available. as it will fit in tons of spots that larger cars won't (but not as many as the cycle!). I've also owned a MC (Honda 650 Nighthawk) and while this isn't a quick, or as nimble as my light 650, there have been many a cycle driver surprised to see me in his rear view on the roads I drive in the hills near my house. Harly drivers need to pull over to let me pass.

Matt

 

comments...yes.

buy a beater and drive your convertible during warmer weather.

 

Well, it really depends on what you are looking for. The Pontiac GTO is LOADS of fun. For it's size, it handles really well, goes like snot, and has a beautiful interior. The exterior is a like it/hate it thing though, but for $30,000 (typical selling price), they really can't be beat.

 

Thanks for the feedback. A convertible is not a requirement. I just mentioned it because the openness seems closer to a motorcycle. I did test drive a MCS/JCW and found it quite fun. It did not have the sunroof, though. I have seen the sunroof and it looks quite a bit longer front to back than the one on my A4. That might be doable. I think I need to test one of those to see how wide open it gets.

 

The sunroof is wonderful! Before the MINI we only had the (removable) cleartop in the Corvette. But the sunroof in the MINI is fantastic and so flexible!

I can very happily suggest anyone considering it, to order the sunroof.


Clover

 

When you mention "practical" along with a K1200RS I would recommend a MINI Cooper S w/John Cooper Works mods. I doubt the standard S would be involving enough for you. But I suspect you would be happy with either fixed or drop head--for completely different reasons. You have a pleasant choice to make. Good luck.

 

Thanks for the info. I had to do a bit of research to see what you were talking about. Track Mode seems like a handy addition as I would be getting the DSC as part of the sport package.

 

But only after having it's interventionist tendancies tempered by MTH software. But despite all those that drive around with it off, it's ALWAYS on for me on the street. No corner workers here to warn you of surprises! Anyway the MTH mod makes it so that you can floor it through puddles and still apply power. Stock, the car seems to stop when it kicks in. It will scare the crap out of you if you need to move quick. Clutch, start of chirp, no power at all for wayyyy to many heart beats, go.

Matt

One other comment. The coupe is sportier than the cabrio, and no sunroof handles better than sunroof. Now you have to consider the compramises!