True, but the MINI can use all the help it can get off the line

Speaking of, I messaged Randy Webb a while back but he never got back to me.... I know in the '02-03s you can buy poly motor mounts... anyone know if there is anything like this for the '04+?

 

I wonder how much of this lower 0-60 time is due to revised ECU programming in the 05's? Any speculation?

 

0.0001

 

0-60 times are dependent upon the individual, the technique, and the conditions. The same magazines often report different times for the same make and model of cars within different issues. This is sometimes because heatsoak is a bigger factor in one run, whereas others are done in frigid cold weather. Different drivers can give different results as well. Some drivers are quicker than others as well. I think the '05 is somewhat quicker, but I wouldn't put a ton of stock in just numbers recorded in different years across different models. If I had to guess, the Mini feels a lot closer to a 6.6-6.7second car than what the magazine sometimes quote of 7.2seconds. Also, the '05 JCW feels more like in the 6.2 second range.

 

I believe Car and Driver first had the MCS at 7.0 sec. Their 1 yr test update it went down to 6.8 if i remember correctly. It got a little faster as it broke in. Motor Trend said the 05' felt more like an extra 45 hp than 5, I think they exaggerated just a bit there! Remember BMW said 6.9 sec for the MCS so they were pretty right on. The MCS in the test was under 2700 lbs. It was under $21,000 so it probably didnt have any packages and had 16 inch wheels so that is how they got 6.4 sec. Still pretty impressive. LSD + 5HP + Better Gearing (for 0-60 runs anyways) they took off half a sec total.

 

I'm gonna test drive an '05 to find out myself.

 

I traded an '04 330Ci coupe for my '05 MCS and the MINI feels faster through the gears than the BMW which was supposed to run 0-60 in 6.4. The MINI also handles better than the BMW (sport package and 18" wheel option).