R50/53 Mini vs. Evo
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,742
Likes: 1
From: Cincinnati
The turbo lag in our Evo isn't bad at all, but the turning radius does kind of blow. We were at an auto-x this weekend where they had a tight round about. The best way he could get through it was to trail brake so he could swing around it. While I do am not near as good a driver as my hubby (Dizzy) I didn't have too many problems in the MINI with it's much tighter turning radius, although that's the only instance at auto-x that I can think of that he really had a problem with the Evo radius. And yes it rides rough. It's not tooo bad in the front but from all accounts, the back seat can get rather bumpy
5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 928
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From: Raleigh, NC
Originally Posted by minihune
DizzyTT,
I believe your assessment. A better comparison is a well modded Evo and well modded MCS.
There are ways to make any MCS handle better.
Start with the wheels- try 15x7" light rims 9 or 10 pounds each and wide 225/45-15 tires which are sticky but smaller diameter to help with gearing.
Add a Quaife differential (not cheap but aids in using all the HP the MINI has). Lowering springs like H-sport or coil overs for cornering. H-sport comp or Rspeed rear bar set to middle setting. Front camber plates to make front camber about -2 degrees for better cornering. Rear adjustable lower control arms to make the rear camber -1.5 degrees.
Want more power? Add a turbo kit. Unless the straights are really long, what you give up will be made up in the corners. Depends on the course, a short course favors the MINI since speeds will be lower.
I believe your assessment. A better comparison is a well modded Evo and well modded MCS.
There are ways to make any MCS handle better.
Start with the wheels- try 15x7" light rims 9 or 10 pounds each and wide 225/45-15 tires which are sticky but smaller diameter to help with gearing.
Add a Quaife differential (not cheap but aids in using all the HP the MINI has). Lowering springs like H-sport or coil overs for cornering. H-sport comp or Rspeed rear bar set to middle setting. Front camber plates to make front camber about -2 degrees for better cornering. Rear adjustable lower control arms to make the rear camber -1.5 degrees.
Want more power? Add a turbo kit. Unless the straights are really long, what you give up will be made up in the corners. Depends on the course, a short course favors the MINI since speeds will be lower.
This threads make me embarassed to own a Mini. It's one thing to like your car, but please be serious... Given equal drivers, this comparo isn't even close enough to talk about. I've spent many weekends on track with my civic with more power than 99.9% of Mini's, hundreds of pounds less weight and considerable suspension modification. I've seen how fast the Evo's are in the hands of a capable driver and I KNOW my mini doesn't have that kind of potential in it. We're not talking about a Z28 here... this is one of the best handling cars in history... practical handling at that, not magazine test numbers.
In the beginner groups, it's common to see slower cars passing faster ones. It's not an indication of anything.
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 760
Likes: 0
From: Back IN Chicopee
Check out this evo in this thread:
http://forums.evolutionm.net/showthr...2&page=1&pp=15
622 whp with alcohol injection !
Paul
http://forums.evolutionm.net/showthr...2&page=1&pp=15
622 whp with alcohol injection !
Paul
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,068
Likes: 1
From: the great country of california
Originally Posted by JeffS
This threads make me embarassed to own a Mini. It's one thing to like your car, but please be serious... Given equal drivers, this comparo isn't even close enough to talk about. I've spent many weekends on track with my civic with more power than 99.9% of Mini's, hundreds of pounds less weight and considerable suspension modification. I've seen how fast the Evo's are in the hands of a capable driver and I KNOW my mini doesn't have that kind of potential in it. We're not talking about a Z28 here... this is one of the best handling cars in history... practical handling at that, not magazine test numbers.
In the beginner groups, it's common to see slower cars passing faster ones. It's not an indication of anything.
In the beginner groups, it's common to see slower cars passing faster ones. It's not an indication of anything.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,742
Likes: 1
From: Cincinnati
Originally Posted by pcnorton
Check out this evo in this thread:
http://forums.evolutionm.net/showthr...2&page=1&pp=15
622 whp with alcohol injection !
Paul
http://forums.evolutionm.net/showthr...2&page=1&pp=15
622 whp with alcohol injection !
Paul
OVERDRIVE - Racing Champion
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15,262
Likes: 72
From: Mililani, Hawaii
Originally Posted by JeffS
This threads make me embarassed to own a Mini. It's one thing to like your car, but please be serious... Given equal drivers, this comparo isn't even close enough to talk about. I've spent many weekends on track with my civic with more power than 99.9% of Mini's, hundreds of pounds less weight and considerable suspension modification. I've seen how fast the Evo's are in the hands of a capable driver and I KNOW my mini doesn't have that kind of potential in it. We're not talking about a Z28 here... this is one of the best handling cars in history... practical handling at that, not magazine test numbers.
In the beginner groups, it's common to see slower cars passing faster ones. It's not an indication of anything.
In the beginner groups, it's common to see slower cars passing faster ones. It's not an indication of anything.
I think alot may depend on the course. In an autocross or on a short track extra HP isn't going to be as useful as on a long track. Which tires you have also play a major role.
I don't think there is anyone in my area embarassed about their MINI. We have seen EVOs come and go along with many other high powered cars.
It takes time to learn how to drive with skill. While stock MINIs have limitations, a mid modded MCS with race rubber can do quite a bit.
Perhaps I should be glad that our local EVO drivers are not as capable as those in your area. I'm always glad to see new drivers come out to autocross or the track.
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1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh
I think some people may have misconstrued my original post. I was really wondering if anybody new if a Mini could outhandle an Evo in everyday driving, not on a controlled track with predictable turns and no traffic. The Mini is so much smaller than the Evo, so it must do a little better in sharp turns, physics will tell you that the Mini should turn quicker to begin with but maybe not exiting. Therefore of course the Evo is better on the track, but on roads you can't always gun it out of a turn, sometimes you have to dodge a car or make another huge turn. Comparing a Mini to an Evo on a track is unfair. The Evo is almost a pure race car designed for the tracks, the Mini is designed for public roads mainly.
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,068
Likes: 1
From: the great country of california
Whats your definition of a public road? City or canyon roads? From what I have been told the Evo handles like a go kart much like our Minis. I was told that the Evo steering is quicker then the Mini's steering. Check with WH on roadfly for a full explanation on that. The Evo has awd not fwd like the MINI. The Evo has large brembos that give it great stopping power. It has a lot of plusses but it does cost more.
So does the Evo handle better on public roads? The answer sounds like "it depends".
So does the Evo handle better on public roads? The answer sounds like "it depends".
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 590
Likes: 1
From: Wisconsin
I think it comes down to a matter of opinion then. Many people would find the EVO's ride harsh, and its power untamed. Some people already say that about the MCS w/ s-lites has to rough of a ride 
. On the other hand the EVO is a 4 door, and in snow it would bury the mini. The EVO doesnt have a moonroof, or convertable..etc. I think from a daily driver aspect it all comes down to what you like, and what your willing to put up with.
. On the other hand the EVO is a 4 door, and in snow it would bury the mini. The EVO doesnt have a moonroof, or convertable..etc. I think from a daily driver aspect it all comes down to what you like, and what your willing to put up with.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,742
Likes: 1
From: Cincinnati
Originally Posted by Coop d'etat
The EVO doesnt have a moonroof, or convertable..etc.
They are completely different kinds of cars that can have great times in the right circumstances with a good driver. That's why we have one of each
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,149
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by buzzy
Did anyone see the British car show TopGear where an EVO 8 went up againsted a Lamborghini Murcielago?
You'll have to watch to find out who won:
http://rob.com/matt/misc_videos/Car_...00-Topgear.wmv 31MB
Luke
You'll have to watch to find out who won:
http://rob.com/matt/misc_videos/Car_...00-Topgear.wmv 31MB
Luke
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1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh
It seems like the Evo would be faster around bends, but if it was a big turn with a car parked in the way or something causing a fast sharp turn it seems like that would be where the Mini excels but maybe i'm wrong. By public roads i mean anything that you would find on an average drive, not tracks that are designed for racing.
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 590
Likes: 1
From: Wisconsin
Originally Posted by MandaBoo
You can get an Evo with a retractable sunroof
I'm still trying to convince the wife into getting the STI or the EVO as our "family" car in a couple of years
Originally Posted by goaljnky
What am I missing? The fat old guy in the video stated that the Evo is 400 bhp at least twice. I know the US models are 287 bhp. What gives?
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 590
Likes: 1
From: Wisconsin
If I recall there was a good article about the Spec C in another mag. I cant recall which at the moment though. I'll have to dig through my stack at home and find out. Either way....more cars that the US doesn't get. 