I just traded my '02 CR/W MCS for an 04' PW/PW MCS. (I got a better deal and a lower APR. Also the '02 was having some mechanical problems that would have been expensive to repair. Kinda like jumping ship before it sinks.)

My '02 had the sport package with the xenons, 17'' rims etc..
The '04 has the premium with the sunroof but no sport package that I know of. (it has smaller rims and the DSC that was in my '02 is now an ASC in the '04.

My questions are:

1) Whats the difference between ASC and DSC?
2) Is it possible to make a non-sport packaged MINI handle like a sport packaged MINI? (I'm noticing that the '04 is more sluggish around corners which leads me to....
3) Was the handling better because my '02 had the 17'' rims and low profile runflats where as the new one has 16'' rims with "normal" tires? I know tires can make a big difference.

I'm sure there will be more questions, but these are the ones that are burning me up.


Thanks in advance for anyone willing to help clear any of this up for me!

 

ASC is basically traction and launch control. When it detects a wheel slipping, it'll cut power. DSC has these features but also has sensors that check for steering input and slip angle. DSC is able to brake individual wheels to compensate.

Your '02 handled better for a couple reasons. First, it had 17" wheels which means there's less sidewall to flex resulting in better turn-in. Going from 17" runflats to normal 16" tires is a big jump. Also, the '02 had a stiffer suspension (they softened it up in mid '03). Both of these things result in a more harsh ride but make the car handle a bit better.

 

So replacing the wheels/tires will help to make the '04 handle like the '02 did? Anything else?

 

1) Kapps hit the nail on the head
2) Mostly
3) Mostly...

The springs/shocks were harsher in the earlier build date cars... a move to 17s will get you most of the improvements, but the Sport package on earlier cars brought stiffer spring/shock rates too. The plus to the later builds is a slightly more supple ride. Problem is, onlny mini aficio0nados can feel it - to folks who ride in most non-Minis, our cars feel kinda stiff anyway...

Losing the smaller stiffer sidewall of the 17s is probably what you feel most, since that contributes to sharper and heavier steering "feel", where the 16s steer "easier" but have more of a "slip angle" and (relatively) need to take more of a "set" before steering the car.

 

Excellent, I was hoping it wasn't in the steering or something expensive or impossible. I'm loving the '04, but missing the handling of the '02.

Are there any "tricks" with the '04 that I should know about? Differences etc?...

 

I've owned cars with ASC and DSC and the DSC is far more invasive. It is an absolute must to switch off before aggressive driving.

Are you looking to mod your car any? Sway bars and some springs with a high rate will stiffen it up a good bit. And I do agree, MINIs are quite stiff to begin with.

It can be done, don't get discouraged. There is barely anything above the basics that MINI can build into them that you can't do yourself... usually for a lot less.