Rist Canyon from November 23rd, 2002 :smile:

 

that is the only difference between the R32 and EVO. is POWER, I would not expect you to say quality, right, or you may wanna make yourself more clear so I understand what you refer to.

 

And think that an R32, much like an M3, or a "MazdaSpeed" Miata, or any other "souped-up" version of a production car already has a much beefier suspension than the standard version, generally sporting heavier springs, sway-bars, and lighter alloy wheels.

This is the VW beef-cake, and it has a middling suspension setup. I call my mods "levelling the playing-field".

My guess is that after having a MINI for a life-time, if you weren't actively racing it, you'd never know it's full capabilities. The same goes for any car. You'll learn what your capabilities are, and the point at which you chicken out, but you'll most likely never stress the car.

I'm utterly convinced that my car can do 1.1G, but I'm never going to find out, because I wimp out at .9x (I've spun it once, but that was due to gravel, sand, and mud). I'm also utterly convinced that the R32, with all of its factory goodies, will never touch that.

For that matter, I don't get the obsession: there are Cadillacs that beat the pants off the R32. The Chrysler 300 smacks it around. It's not that impressive. 5.9 0 - 60? That was so 5 minutes ago. Get me an EVO8 @ 4.4, an STI, or that wild European Ford Focus that was turning 4.3.

 

No, not at all, no obsessions at all. It is a simple fact, I am not trying to change your mind nor prove my point. The conversation started with the MCS vs. VR6, and then carried out to R32 issue. MCS is a beefed-up MC so R32 is a beefed up VR6 (although two completely different motors), both are the top end of the line.
Technically, MCS is 0.85 g where the R32 is at 0.89, this is what manufacturers say. On the other hand tests say the MCS go beyond 0.85, which I don't doubt.

There is always going to be bigger fish, and finally the thing that I really don't understand is the OBSESSION to pull better gs....

 

No: a JCW MCS is a beefed up MCS, like a R32 is a beefed up VR6. There is a 4-banger Golf (and a 1.8T GTI, if you want to stick with the GTI range), just as there is a Cooper. And now that there is a factory JCW, it's an apples-to-apples comparison.
You stated that the R32 could keep up with the MCS on twisties, and would likely out-perform the MCS. Our claim to fame with the MINI is handling. Plain and simple. We can't make bold claims about our 0 - 60, our in-gear acceleration, or anything else in the straight-up "performance" category, so we stick to "go-kart" handling and bold statements about carving up twisties. Thus, we are, as a lot, obsessed with lateral G's.

 

I honestly have to say that while I enjoy that my MCS is pretty fast and handels well, if tomorrow I get smoked by a Honda or a Toyota etc, I will still love my MCS. Because I have a MINI and they have to go home with "THAT."
H

 

you dug your own hole.

 

i've seen R32's go....& it would be the only other ride i would go for other than me mini:smile: but AWD plus more power = more speed around them bends yes? is that not what awd is for, beign able to deliver grunt power to the ground.... maybe im

 

Drivetrain loss and addtional weight are also part of an awd system.

 

Howdy,

No pics of the R32 on this computer. Mine is DBP (Deep Blue Pearl)....u can find pics on the internet of them. Comes standard with just about everything..only option was leather (got that also). 18" OZ Aristos wrapped in Goodyear F1's, 250 HP 3.2 V6 4-Motion (Quattro) 4Wheel drive. 6 speed, only Golf series 4 with indie rear suspension....etc, etc. Revs like a turbine, more power than u can imagine (usable at all rpm's due to flat torque curve)......to wrap it up, I was driving in the mountains with my 17 hear old and he asked why people say the MINIs drives like a go-cart and I said "Because they don't have an R32".

All this for 29k when I bought it last Easter.....still worth near that. The MINI is a kick to drive, love it (I'm one of the few who like seats in the MINI over the Koenig's in the R but I'm surprised the R draws as much attention as the MINI.....They make a great pair....I'm a happy man!

 

sure...but with more power to weight it should all b' gravy!! or maybe im not gettin' the reply....

 

........

 

Yup, you ain't getting it.

An EVO or STI is getting it and it's proven weekend after weekend in autocrosses across the nation.

 

Totally disagreed!
You can drive a M3 with 333hp on a twisty mountain road, and you can feel how well it handle, but still not feel like the go-cart on Mini. The main reason is the weight. Even the R32 has the top of the line VR6 engine with 250hp, it is over weight.. I don't have the real figure but it should be 3200+lb, and the weight distribution is not even closed to 50/50 may be 60/40. How can the nose heavy R32 handle as well as the Mini?! BTW, the official 0-60 time for R32 is around 6.2s, a similar WRX (not STI) with 227hp, the official 0-60 time is within 5+ second. Why? Over weight!
I am not trying to bad mouth on VW product. I love and own VW products, but their current development philosophy isluxury over others, the current GTI isn't the GTI used to be (mk I, II).

 

i own a gli 6 speed jetta and it rocks....but ur right it does have that luxury ride feel to it, kinda like the early 300zx cars, nothing alittle suspension mod cant remedy though///V-dub fan 4ever

 

to contradict your statement i have a '95 Audi S6 its allwheel drive and weighs in at 3800 lbs, its a heavy beast with only 227 hp, but why then can it go 0-60 in 6.1??? weight isn't everything, drivetrain is where it is at. those older audi's have killer drive trains, i think much better then the new audi's! about going through the twistize fast, there are a few things to take in account, and that is where the cars center of mass is, where its weight is distributed vertically, for and aft weight and its wheel base... also having a sweet suspension system helps immensely..