These are valid points. However, the argument I would make is that it is tough on here to find threads where you can get advice or discussion about modding a Cooper. And I have seen some threads where someone starts talking about modding a Cooper, only to have someone tell him he should start by adding a 15% pulley!

 

I agree with that, and yes I've seen that happen plenty of times. Not sure if that should be a moderators job, or what, but definitely staying on track in a thread would help. Which uhm, means I probably shouldn't be discussing this here, and maybe we should have a new thread!!

 

LOL! I love your write-ups by the way!

 

Agree. Every time I see someone ask a question about an air intake for their MC and instantly be told about ALTA, or the like on the responders MCS, I just cringe.

 

As absurd as it might seem, there are a bunch of MCS owners who don't realize that most of the car is identical. I've seen springs listed "for Cooper S only". Same with brakes, sway bars, shocks, and every other suspension component you could ever imagine.

If we split off a Cooper forum, it would have to be specific to the engine, intake, tranny, and exhaust. Heck, not even the exhaust manifold is specific.

I think we would lose a lot of valuable information, simply because some folks wouldn't know what applies to both cars.

 

Sold my 05 Cooper and just ordered another (long story...)--I like the simplicity, lighter weight and lower cost of the Cooper, plus the fact that it freaks out drivers of other (faster) cars when I catch them at the track!

Gary

 

I'll offer a "wannabe's" opinion.

Background: I'm JerseryGirl's (The Bag Lady) boyfriend. So once in a blue moon, I get to drive her MCS (but never in a spirited manner). I've never driven a MC. My current driver is an '03 VW TDI Wagon. Previous: '91 Acura Integra (loved that car) and occasional drives in JG's old E36 M3 (shoulda bought it from her...).

With this in mind, I've wasted a lot of company bandwidth building virtual MINI's. Almost always, it's an MCS. After reading this thread, I decided to compare an "equally" spec'd MC and MCS for price. Both: JB/W, CWP, MFSW. I added the Sport Plus suspension to the MC and LSD for the MCS. I dislike the MINI's sunroof, so neither car has it. $18650 for the MC and $22k for the MCS. About a $70 difference in monthly payment.

There are pros and cons for both. Styling and handling would be a wash, with maybe the handling edge going to the MCS since you can order it with a LSD. Mileage is a big factor for me as I drive a minimum of a 100 miles a day. This is why I drive a TDI. A 7 mpg difference would add up pretty quickly. Especially as either car would be a drop from what I currently get (mid to high 40's).

With that said, I'd probably get an MCS if given the chance. The extra power being the main reason. What I dislike most about the TDI is the lack of power. Especially in, "oh crap, I gotta move NOW!" situations. And I know that each time I was in a similar situation with an MC, I'd say to myself, "#$%@... shoulda' gotten the S..."

 

We got an MCc because my wife picked it and she said it has plenty of power for her. I didn't mind since it meant lower insurance and fuel costs. Besides, its 'her' car! I have my car when I want to drive fast!

ken

 

I agree with this. A lot of MCS on the forum but when I'm out driving around in Az I see more MC then MCS. Heck I may even had an MC to my collection. hehe

 

Those are some big key words!
I still crave an EB/W MCS. Mostly for the color and sound of the supercharger. (Gotta be girly sometimes.)

But i love the lines of the MC. Everytime i look at my MC, i fall more and more in love. So what if i got my SECOND original choice in MINI's. I couldn't be happier. (second choice in body style..MC or MCS, and second choice in color, since i can't get EB on MC)

And i avg 35 mpg. Would probably get alot better if i'd lay off the take offs, but it's too much fun shocking people that a COOPER can take them off the line. More power is fine and dandy. But you're like me with the long commutes, the gas mileage is so worth getting the cooper. I don't usually see the gas mileage for S's compare anywhere near the cooper's. Maybe they're taking advantage of all that extra power And they handle just fine.

 

I personally went with the MCS because of the power, I had driven low power cars all my life (ok the 8 years I've been driving) and this time I wanted something that had a little more umph, and now I can't get this stupid smile off my face anytime I'm in the car.

 

I got a MCC because I wanted a CVT. I can drive a 6 speed, but I dislike driving a manual...call me lazy! Also, we're going to save this car for my daughter, and who nows, she may not like to drive a manual. We're going to buy a hardtop MCS as our second MINI, so I'll get to experience both. However, I don't think of buying an S as 'upgrading.' I got a fully loaded MCC, so all the S would add for me is a bit more power...I don't need another speeding ticket!

 

Mom was 90 on July 1. She is still capable of driving...believe me I'd be the first one to pull her wheels if she were not. Her ride is a '91 Volvo 240 and it is pretty much ready for pasture.

When I drove my new 05 MCS over last month, I took her for a cruise and she fell in love with it. Her only objections: it's too fast and I won't drive a stick (even though she learned on one in 1935)

So I explained that they also make a 115hp model, and it's available in auto.

Tomorrow, we're going for a test drive.

We'll keep you posted.

 

If she gets a MINI, you have to get a picture of her with it and post it here!!!:smile:

 

I never considered the MCS seriously.

• The MC's lines are nicer and more classic.
• The MC will cruise at 80-85 and I don't need more power than that.
• The MC is truer to MINI heritage: a nimble, humble, stylish little car that requires thoughtful shifting to make the best of its power plant. I think it takes more skill to drive the MC well. Anyone can point a powerful car at a target and stand on the gas.
• Velvet Red was available on the MC only.
• Nothing scientific about this, but I get more friendly waves and honks from MCs. More MCS motorists just stare straight ahead.
• As I write, total US MINI sales 2002-05 break down as 57k MCs, 50 MCSs.

 

With a Cooper, you don't need an LSD. There isn't enough torque to spin the wheels anyway. At least not once you ditch the runflats for some max-performance sticky tires.

 

exactly!!!! i think i wrote up a novel about this a page or two back lol

 

These were the things I was thinking back in '02 when I ordered my Cooper. As time went on, I realized I wished I had a little more power and the styling of the MCS really started to grow on me.

I had a great time with my Cooper over the past 3 years, but now I gotta say, I'm having WAY too much fun with the S already.

 

It probably wasn't available at the time you bought the MCC but they have an auto for the MCS.

and you can get a ticket in any car...

 

Those are some of the reasons I'm contemplating going '02 MCS to '06 MC.

 

I own both and both are fun cars in their own way


But...


Years down the road, the model with best resale/higher desirability will be the MCS.

 

I agree with DID...years from now, the Cooper will be the NEW CLASSIC. The S as we know it now will be distinctive in its own right, especially when the bonnet scoop is eliminated in future ESSES...but the Cooper will still prevail, since it is what the original Mini was all about. But, what the heck, it's ALL good!

 

Whatever

 

The test drives I've taken in a MCS,( the dealer offers, I think they want to get rid of me when my car is in, as I ask hard questions) have always been a hoot.Way more power I love the 6 speed. The ride is a bit more harsh, but I don't mind it.

But I do 90% of my motoring cruising at 70-75MPH, on a not very busy highway. I don't need to pass much, and I go for MPG on the commute.

When I play, I'm on gravel back roads, and with the ASC+T turned off, well the MC is more than able to make me grin

And in the snowy/icey winters here, the power would be of no use, IMO.

 

DITTO!