Very interesting to note that the Euopean market MINI ONE version uses a 1.4L variant (75HP) of the 1.6L 115HP engine installed in the Cooper.

 

I can't get into the technical aspects of the MINI and the Neon, but I can get into aesthetics. The new Neons are MINI-wannabes. I look at the headlights and think back to how the older Neon headlights used to look (which was vastly different). They are so MINI-like now.

But, MINIs rule. Need I say more?

 

Thanks for the link--this information goes far to relieve the skeptic in me. :smile:

 

The Euro Neon and PT Cruiser use the same engine as the Cooper and the engine is as far as the similarities go. The Cooper is certainly not = to a Dodge Neon, nor or is the Cooper "based in part on the Dodge Neon." The Volvo guy is not very bright.

_________________
[img]albums/album25/ama.gif[/img]VinceAndJessica.com
Alta pulley, Stebro exhaust, Pipercross intake, Progress rear anti-sway bar.

 

>>The Neon is a pretty quick car. I am getting beat every month in autox by an ACR Neon.

I would never admit to that!!! You should be kicking that cars butt!! Last week I beat a few WRX, Neon, Golf and the list goes on. And I am a rookie at Auto-x.

 

>>>>The Neon is a pretty quick car. I am getting beat every month in autox by an ACR Neon.
>>
>>I would never admit to that!!! You should be kicking that cars butt!! Last week I beat a few WRX, Neon, Golf and the list goes on. And I am a rookie at Auto-x.
>>

I believe it. My main competition in G Stock is a Neon R/T. But right now I'm first in points. I got two 1st and a 2nd, and he got two 2nd and a 1st. But we're always pretty close in times. The battle continues this Sunday!

 

>>I was told by a Volvo service manager that the Mini Cooper design is based in part on the Dodge Neon. I find this statement incredible--sounds like urban myth to me. If I knew that dodge was in any way connected to the Cooper design I would consider the purchase of something else. Can anyone dispell this claim?

I think multiple posts have laid to rest any similarity other than the engine basics (and I *do* mean *basics*). So, next time the service manager says something like this to you, just tell him, "No, your're misinformed. Is there anyone else I can speak with here in the service department, who knows what they're talkling about."

 

>>I was told by a Volvo service manager that the Mini Cooper design is based in part on the Dodge Neon. I find this statement incredible--sounds like urban myth to me.
____________________
MG-BGT is absolutely right: The MINI and the European version of the Dodge Neon share the same basic 1.6L Tritec (or Pentagon engine as some call it) engine. That's because BMW and Chrysler (before it was acquired by Daimler) embarked on a joint venture to develop and build the engine in Brazil. But the similarity between the two cars end there. Now go to your Volvo dealer and apologize, those of you who call a Volvo a Ford.

Update: Beginning in the year 2006, the new engine for the MINI will be a Citroen developed one. OK, OK, can the French jokes.

 

This is the biggest balony i have ever heard of!!

 

I have owned many BMW's and now a proud owner of a Pure Silver Cooper S. The Tritec(BMW/DaimlerC) engine used in the Mini is probably fairly rock solid since its used on three entirely different cars. 20 years from now when I decide to restore the Cooper S and want to tune the engine, I will have many options with cams and headers....etc. I'm sure tuners of neons, p/t cruiser and BMW MINI COOPER S will have left behind many cheap and easy to get parts in junk yards. I have restored a 1973 BMW 2002 and found it fairly expensive to locate many engine parts because they were BMW! It is nice to see that BMW does still produce many of the parts for a 60's-70's 2002. I think the love for minis will last much longer than some rusty junked neon or pt cruiser. From BMW's track record Mini will be desired and driven for many many years. :smile:

 

>>The Euro Neon and PT Cruiser use the same engine as the Cooper and the engine is as far as the similarities go. The Cooper is certainly not = to a Dodge

In the US, the base PT Cruiser is the 2.4 liter one. I know the Tritec site says otherwise but it appears that the largest engine they make is the 1.6L.

I even checked the C-D Mexico site where it lists the 2.4L engine also.

I soooconfused.....

 

>>In the US, the base PT Cruiser is the 2.4 liter one. I know the Tritec site says otherwise but it appears that the largest engine they make is the 1.6L.

Duh, that's why I said Euro as in European.

 

I thought the MINI one had the same 1.6L engine as the MINI cooper but with a differnet ECU? I've heard of some MINI one owners chipping their cars and making them as fast as the cooper