Would like to know from those who may have driven a "S" vs Standard
Mini is the handling that much greater and fun factor of driving a "S"
really worth the extra money..

I have been trying to talk myself out of S because of extra money
and fact of turbo or Supercharger life and what it may cost down
the road on these components to rebuild them.

I guess trying to ask with all the traffic here in NJ how much can
you use "S" power and really enjoy it?

So would just like some thoughts of those of you who have either
had both or had the chance to really ride both ..
Thanks again Joe in NJ

 

Take it from a MC owner. Go with the MCS. Trust me. Way more fun.

 

Test drove both because having an S did'nt mean much to me. Well, that was before I drove it. Yes, it's worth the extra $$$.

Reading through the threads you'll see that most purchasers wish they would've order the S from the start and explain that their next one will be an S.

 

go fior the SSSSSS

 

I drove both a first gen MC and MCS for a little while (loaner cars). My wife has a 2nd gen MC and I also drove a 2nd gen MCS for a fairly long time (also a loaner). Here are my impressions:

1st gen MC vs 1st gen MCS. The MCS is definitely faster, but in city traffic the supercharger comes on with enough lag not to really make a difference, unless you try to race from light to light. I would say that for me, the MCS fun factor wasn't enough to justify the extra cost. On the open road, different story, that's where the 1st gen MCS shines. Easy to navigate fast traffic, no need to wind it up to heaven like the MC to pass. Handling wise though, I honestly couldn't tell much of a difference between the two (both had 17" tires), but then again, I didn't take either to an autox course to see where the limits are.

2nd gen MC vs 2nd gen MCS. This is where the story changes. The 2nd gen MC powerplant is improved imo (broader torque band, and it shows). But the 2nd gen MCS is a BEAST! I don't think I've had this much fun in a small car in a long time, this thing behaved like it had a hulking v8 under the hood at all times. Stop and go traffic, no problem. Surprisingly, the MCS was easier to drive sedately and still navigate traffic better than the MC. If the cabrio came with the 2nd gen motor, I think I would have sprung for the S this time. Handling, again, was very similar between the two cars, although 2nd gen cars tend to have a softer ride than the 1st gen cars. From my experience anyways.

Hope this helps.

 

If you ever drive on the NJ Turnpike you will appreciate the get up and go of the S. Plus, with such a fun car to drive, you will not limit yourself to just inner city driving. Get out of town on the week end and enjoy driving!

 

I for one never got the kind of satisfaction (or fun) driving an MCS, or even a JCW, that I get out of my Cooper. I feel at home w/ the overall balance of the Cooper...handling, power, braking. I'm on my second Cooper and still feel the same, but then this is probably indicative of where I come from in relation to cars I have enjoyed in the past. If power is at all part of your "fun" factor, you might as well get an MCS. There is another approach though. Coopers have more than enough power...accessing that is where the real fun is. Putting your foot down is too easy...and mundane.

 

Go for the S. I find it much more civilized in day to day driving than the regular Coopers (rev the **** out of it to accomplish reasonably brisk acceleration). I don't like having to rev the snot out of a little engine to get decent acceleration out of it. It always feels like you're going to wear the engine out prematurely, and not to mention it reminds me of those Civic owners. Don't get me wrong, I don't stomp on my S everywhere I go - it's just nice knowing that I've got the power on tap if I need it. The S won't even sweat to give you reasonable acceleration, whereas the Cooper will seem relatively wound out.

If you can find an '05-newer S within your budget, even better as they revised the gear ratios a bit for even more acceleration. As a side note, '05-newer Coopers also got an updated tranny - a stronger Getrag unit to replace the Midlands unit.

At any rate, try to test drive both. And be sure to test drive in the sort of environment you're in on a daily basis. I know once I heard the (addicting) sound of the supercharger, and felt the S model's relatively effortless acceleration, it was a done deal. Handling wise, they're about the same if equipped with comparable wheels/suspension.

 

Many say that it is a lot more fun to drive a slow car fast, than a fast car slowly...

When stuck in city traffic, it's a wash.

 

I had an '03 Cooper for 3 years--covered 65,000 miles before selling it. If you've never driven a MINI before, I'd say getting a Cooper is better than starting off with a Cooper S. The Cooper really forces you to drive smooth, downshift often, and really row the gears to keep within the power band. With less HP, keeping the car light, and with minimal power drain (AC off) are ways to keep the fun factor high. And when you're not driving hard--it's got great fuel economy.

On the other hand, two years ago I bought a used '05 Cooper S and have spent a ton of money modding it--everything from new paint to suspension, wheels, tires, engine, interior, comfort mods, convenience mods, lol.

Going from the Cooper to Cooper S was like a breath of fresh air. All of a sudden all the compromises I felt with the Cooper were gone. I could drive with the AC on if I wanted to without sapping too much power---although granted--now that I'm very "intune" with my MINI, I feel the power loss with the AC-but initially during the transition--it was night and day. I could stay in the higher gears more often--rarely downshifting unless slowing down. I could have passengers, or keep the rear seats in place, etc..

All in all, the Cooper S allowed me to relax more over the Cooper. On the other hand, once you experience the speed and HP over the Cooper--you'll just want more and more and more--and again that's where the Cooper S shines over the Cooper. There is a limit to how far you can mod a 1st Gen Cooper before things like the tranny break, etc..

So if you think modding might be your thing (I didn't know it until I started)--the Cooper S is a much better platform for doing that than the Cooper, IMO.

Richard

 

I guess trying not to be the spoiled old kid @ 57
and acting my age..

But with response that I received how can you know
BUY A "S".....

Thank You very much and needed your response
to be a kid @ 57 still...Thank You Joe in NJ

Really was leading towards a used 05 to o6 but
really thinking hard of new one and getting the
warranty ..

All of you here have been worth joining this forum..Joe

 

To me, the S is definitely worth it. And I lived in NJ for many years, so I know it will certainly pay off there. It will almost make you wish they put those circles back in Route 22.

 

U.S. roads being what they are, it is no surprise that the Cooper and MCS are sold in the U.S. and the MINI One isn't even offered here. It is also no surprise that MCS sales are a higher percentage of overall MINI sales in the U.S. than elsewhere in the world. My driving is mostly city and so I find little use for the extra get up and go....a Cooper offers more than plenty. Should my daily routes be different, though, perhaps I'd sell out and get an MCS. I must say, part of my fun-factor comes from driving a full-on, well-balanced MINI while getting around 40 mpg in city driving ('07 Cooper manual). Still, if you think power will play a significant role in your everyday motoring out on the crazy U.S. highways and byways, the MCS is a huge value and is also very economical in it's own right.....the second gen car generally does a bit better in this regard than the first gen car. Either way, as has been stated, an MCS will offer you a good platform for dialing in power to suit you wants and needs...less so w/ a Cooper which is already pretty well optimized from the factory .

 

+1 on starting with an R50 (Non-S). It'll turn you into a better driver and set you up for a future forced induction S. Plus, you get the advantage of the added mileage and somewhat cheaper insurance and maintenance. And you'll get to hang out with us N/A guys who don't like to affiliate with those snooty R53 people....

 

I have owned a MINI since 6/02 and would be happy ever after if I'd never driven a S, The R53 is worth the difference just for its transmission and the supercharger whine, which is is pure music. I know the new S is supposed to be one of the sweetest engines around but it will never sound so sweet.

 

I've driven both the S and the regular- and I ended up buying my 03 MCS.

I still get GREAT gas mileage (relative to other cars).
The 6 speed is wonderful. Couldn't ever have another 5 speed.
The transmission, from what I understand, is much tougher.
Great "aerodynamic" looks to it that the Cooper just doesn't have.
Respect- even from the V8 crowd.
The supercharger whine is worth the extra money alone.
Many more aftermarket parts (or seem to be) for the S.
MUCH better resale value.

 

Don't forget the exhaust with those sweet, twin center-mounted pipes.

 

Handling is great on both cars, and mods done to either will make for an awesome auto-xer. The MC is easier on gas, the MCS is faster. Both are respectably quick to about 40 mph, from which speed the MCS will pull away. Insurance is better on the MC. Looks are subjective, but the R56 MCS has a non-functional hood scoop (the R53's hood scoop fed the supercharger inter-cooler.)

The choice is yours, for a little more initial outlay, plus around 10% lower gas mileage, you can have the MCS vs. the MC. Is it worth it? IMHO yes, but as an MCS owner, my view is biased.

Either way, you can't go wrong.

 

And really that is the truth of the matter- either way, you're going to have fun. Half the fun of having a MINI is the network of people, the friendly waves, and get togethers- all of which don't require a supercharger/turbo.

 

If MPG is an issue I would go with the Cooper. However, if MPG isn't an issue I would go with the S, it has more power on demand and if you go with an R53 you have your own sound effects from the supercharger.

 

The Mini is on the heavy side for its size. Go for the S for the extra power. You will need that on uphill, with passengers in the car, as it ages power diminishes, safe overtaking, passing or merging on highway.
I made the right decision to get the S even if my budget was tight at the time because of just having the 330i.

 

Gotta agree with gokart; I grew up deeply involved in muscle cars and "mo power is betta" -found myself constantly looking for ways to add to it (there is no end, by the way). Then I helped a friend out of a financial problem by buying his '49 MG TC (this in the late '60s). Power? One ailing hamster, at best. But it did teach me a simple truth: for me, enjoyable driving is about my connection with the road and the world I'm driving through, not how fast I can get through it.
My next car? A 1950 MG TD. This was followed by Audis, VW Bugs, a Triumph Spitfire, BMW 2000, Datsun 1600 Roadster... you can see where this is going I think.
You drive what you like. If you thrill with the "kick in the back" acceleration, go for the S. If that isn't that high on the list and you prefer things a little less complicated and like the twisty bits best, go for the MC. This is as personal a decision as picking a mate. Go with what makes you tingle.

 

Some very good points have already been made, but I have never regretted getting more HP in any car, I have regretted trying to save money and getting lesser HP. Even in much bigger cars I have always wanted more HP.
I have been happy with my MCS and moding for even more HP.

Now, I also agree that you can have lots of fun with the HP in a Cooper. As they say, it is not the size of the pencil it is how you sign your name.

 

I own a 2003 Cooper and a 2007 MCS.

I have more fun driving my Cooper.

Sure, the MCS is much faster in a straight line.

My Cooper has lots of suspension upgrades, while the MCS is stock. My Cooper will get around a corner much faster than my MCS.

Drive both and decide for yourself.

 

I noticed this too.I owned a new '06 MC before getting my "05 S.The coop w/ sport suspension was a great handler.But there aint no contest though!It's a different animal,the "S" be!'specially wit some go fast mods!