I'm the guy who started the thread- "Why would anybody want a base model when you can have an S?" I read all the comments with interest and tried to keep an open mind. Nolan just about had me convinced that I really didn't need the S, but then.....

I went back to the dealership today, drove the base and the S and there was no turning back. The S is awesome. Don't get me wrong, I'm not gonna be one of those obnoxious S snobs who looks down on you base model folks, but I probably will be looking back at you.



_________________
electric blue/white S on the way. Premium+sport wheels.

 

Probably be looking back at me?
Not being snobby, eh?

Your decision is your decision....whether it's a Mini or a Mini S it is going to rock so who cares? Though I still like mine the best!

Cheers!
L.Mini

And by the way....a base model is something with no options added to it.....not just a standard Cooper......if you got an S with no options, you would be driving a base model S.

_________________
Pure Silver/Black Cooper.....premium package, sport seats, fog lights, spoiler, 16" 5-spoke wheels....I would MUCH rather be MOTORING! :smile:

 

Just kidding. Can't wait to join the cult of MINI!

Electric Blue S on the way. Premium and sport wheels in silver.

_________________
electric blue/white S on the way. Premium+sport wheels.

 

Nice color choice!

 

>>I'm the guy who started the thread- "Why would anybody want a base model when you can have an S?" I read all the comments with interest and tried to keep an open mind. Nolan just about had me convinced that I really didn't need the S, but then.....
>>
>>I went back to the dealership today, drove the base and the S and there was no turning back. The S is awesome. Don't get me wrong, I'm not gonna be one of those obnoxious S snobs who looks down on you base model, but I probably will be looking back at you.
>>
>>By the way, the dealer really tried to rape me on my trade in, so I'm selling it myself. Anybody wanna buy a 99 Accord Coupe?


Cool! Get the car that makes you happy regardless of what other people say. People will throw out tons of different 0-60 and 1/4 mile times. The fact is you will see different times depending on what magazine you read. EVO had the Cooper 0-60 at 9 sec. and the S 0-60 at 7.4. Different magazines have different times. If you think the S feels much faster than the Cooper then cool, get it. Ignore what someone else says when they start spitting out numbers that they have read in a magazine. If you like, it feels good and feels fun, then go for it regardless if it is an S or a Cooper.

 

>>>>
>>Probably be looking back at me?
>>Not being snobby, eh?
>>
>>Your decision is your decision....whether it's a Mini or a Mini S it is going to rock so who cares? Though I still like mine the best!
>>
>>Cheers!
>>L.Mini

L. Mini, when I get my S, I'll drive it side by side with your Cooper! They are both fantastic and everybody on the road will be looking at us very jealous of our sweet rides!

 

People will throw out tons of different 0-60 and 1/4 mile times.


only times I threw out were from Car & Driver....I'm not a rocket scientist, but the numbers according to Car & Driver, 1/4 mile times for cooper 16.5 seconds & 83mph, MCS 15.5 & 90mph. ...let's see at 1320 feet, the MCS crosses the line 75 feet earlier or a 1/4 length of a football field....looks like 5 % increase in performance for an almost 20% increase in price....maybe I'm missing something in the math like I was missing something when I owned the MCS....read one poster said the MCS felt 30% faster than the mc, that would put it in sub 12 sec 1/4's or 911 or Viper territory..for that I would pay 20% more, laugh!

I agree...get what turns you on, but the laws of physics are hard to distort but Quantum Physics also is clear that you see what you are looking for whether a wave or particle or mc or mcs, laugh.....whatever you choose, have fun....cheers!

 

It's important to buy the car that works for you in physical fit and confidence on the road (and your lifestyle purpose). If driving an "S" makes you a better driver, then by all means get one. I just don't like those that want to promote the "S" (or any manuals) for SPEED!

If a manual makes you feel more in control as a driver, = a safer driver to co-exist on the highway with, then PLEASE...Get an "S"!!

The "Joyous Feeling of Mini Commraderie (sp?)" is much more important IMHO than debating on whether your fellow Mini driver that you meet on the road is shifting gears or not.


As far as looking back at the rest of us... well hey, don't shift too much or you'll be in danger of repetitive stress motion on your elbow!

 

Have to agree with the above poster....I test drove both cars twice. I'm not a race car driver by any stretch of the imagination and will never have any car on a track, but after driving both cars, I couldn't really tell that much difference in performance between the two...I decided on the reg mini and used the extra cash for leather seats and a sunroof....can't wait till it arrives...

 

>>
>>only times I threw out were from Car & Driver....I'm not a rocket scientist, but the numbers according to Car & Driver, 1/4 mile times for cooper 16.5 seconds & 83mph, MCS 15.5 & 90mph. ...let's see at 1320 feet, the MCS crosses the line 75 feet earlier or a 1/4 length of a football field....looks like 5 % increase in performance for an almost 20% increase in price....maybe I'm missing something in the math like I was missing something when I owned the MCS....


What a silly comparison. In sports, beating someone by one and a half or two STEPS is a HUGE margin of victory. In car racing, 1/4 of a football field is HUGE. Forget the percentages. They're not racing on paper. If I were to actually race someone on the street with my MINI, anything more than a car length is a straight line race is a clear victory. A 1/4 of a football field margin isn't even a race!

Arg! Everytime I think Nolan has left the board...


I saw the new Z is out...please - go get one!

 

>>People will throw out tons of different 0-60 and 1/4 mile times.
>>
>>
>>only times I threw out were from Car & Driver....I'm not a rocket scientist, but the numbers according to Car & Driver, 1/4 mile times for cooper 16.5 seconds & 83mph, MCS 15.5 & 90mph. ...let's see at 1320 feet, the MCS crosses the line 75 feet earlier or a 1/4 length of a football field....looks like 5 % increase in performance for an almost 20% increase in price....maybe I'm missing something in the math like I was missing something when I owned the MCS....read one poster said the MCS felt 30% faster than the mc, that would put it in sub 12 sec 1/4's or 911 or Viper territory..for that I would pay 20% more, laugh!
>>
>>I agree...get what turns you on, but the laws of physics are hard to distort but Quantum Physics also is clear that you see what you are looking for whether a wave or particle or mc or mcs, laugh.....whatever you choose, have fun....cheers!


Aren't clueless people fun

 

If I were to actually race someone on the street with my MINI, anything more than a car length is a straight line race is a clear victory

wow....that is incredibly profound...if you finish ahead it really is a victory...lol!

BTW...I did drive the new Z over the weekend...and no I won't comment on how many feet ahead of the MCS it would be in the 1/4 mile out of respect, laugh!

 

>>If I were to actually race someone on the street with my MINI, anything more than a car length is a straight line race is a clear victory
>>
>>wow....that is incredibly profound...if you finish ahead it really is a victory...lol!
>>
>>BTW...I did drive the new Z over the weekend...and no I won't comment on how many feet ahead of the MCS it would be in the 1/4 mile out of respect, laugh!

And I won't comment on how much my new Mitsubishi EVO VI would smoke your new Z, just out of respect. Realize, cars are made for different reasons. There is always a faster car out there. That and there are intangible qualities that make a car fun to drive. I test drove a new Z. Yeah, the new Z was faster than a MINI but it wasn't more fun to drive than a MINI and it didn't handle as well as a MINI. Nor did it have the personality of a MINI. Nor does it have the heritage of the MINI. Different cars for different reasons. To compare a MINI to a Z is totally unintelligent. I'm sure the MINI doesn't hold as much as Ford Explorer, doesn't perform as well off road as a Land Rover and can't smoke a Corvette in the 1/4 mile. So what. Compare the MINI to other cars of its type. The Ford Focus SVT, the Honda Civic Type R, the VW GTI and other sport hatches. Anything else is ridiculous.

 

I test drove a new Z. Yeah, the new Z was faster than a MINI but it wasn't more fun to drive than a MINI and it didn't handle as well as a MINI.

I'd have to disagree with you here...they put the wheels at the corners on the Z and it corners incredibly...granted it's much faster out of the turns than the mini, but absolutely no roll cornering just like the mini...looks like they stole some design secrets from mini on placing the wheels at the outer corners and the Z is very fun, probably a little too scary for some drivers like the 911...regarding the EVO...I have no idea since I have never been near a Mitshubishi of any kind, but I can tell you the Z is quicker than a stock 911 at half the price....and you are right it is unfair to compare the Z to the mini. no different than comparing a 911 to a GTI....different classes and performance...the new Z is quite impressive and it's heritage back to the 74 240Z is pretty cool, doesn't go back to the heritage of the 59 mini, but certainly compared to the EVO there is a heritage, laugh!...cheers....

 

And I won't comment on how much my new Mitsubishi EVO VI would smoke your new Z, just out of respect.

Now theres a car that will go down as a classic...lol... talk about unintelligent posts...only place Mitsubishi is going is out of business..they can't even sell cars below invoice, with no interest ever and no payments for a year...that ought to be worth a lot come trade in time....lol!

And the Z has no heritage...another dumb comment...ever hear of the 240Z...they sold more 240Z's in a month than they sold minis in the US from 60's to the new mini hit the street......try debating with a little intelligence, sound like my 14 year old....

 

Congrats from a fellow S owner. All Mini's are cool, but the S also has some hot sauce for when you want to spice it up. I love my S.

Arcticv Blue Wht Rf. Fog Lamps Atl GA Lic "BIGINIT" :smile:

 

Just my 2 cents worth. I own a G35 Infiniti. Same engine with slightly less HP than the Z. Four doors, handles like a dream. Best driving road car I've ever owned. Despite all that I'm picking my Cooper S on Saturday. Why you ask? Because its a MINI. The G35 is a totally modern and comfortable car. Its faster, quieter and smoother than any MINI but it has no spirit. The MINI is hands down the most fun vehicle I've ever driven and if I had to choose on over the other I'd keep the MINI.



Fatbob

 

Congrats on getting an S! Should be a blast to dirve. I want to test drive one as soon as the dealer is open here. I must say, however in my particular situation, I'm getting a nearly fully loaded MC for the same price as a base modle S and I'm getting it a year earlier than I could get an S. These were my big deciding factors.

I love em all! :smile: