Some great posts in this thread! I'll add my $0.02...

I originally ordered a MCS. Didn't think there was any doubt that was what I wanted, so I test drove one, loved it, and put in an order. After that, I did some reading online, and a lot of thinking... and decided I should give a MC a test drive. I was extremely surprised. Then, after more thought, a pros and cons list, and a detailed budget list, I drove the MC a second time... this time being more critical about it... doing things like seeing if I can feel the difference with or without the A/C on, stopping on a very steep hill and seeing how it felt to get it going again, etc. I was very skeptical at first going with a "measely" 115 HP car. My current car is a BMW 325i, and the one before that was a 323i. It's not all about going fast for me... but it IS about great handling, great acceleration, and the all-around fun factor. Finally, after looking at this from every angle, I came up with reasons why I should get a MC instead of MCS:

1) The MC has both spare tire AND run-flats (with sport package). A spare to me is a significant thing. I often take road trips that end up way out in the middle of nowhere, and really don't want to think about what would happen if I had a major tire failure that could not get me several hundred miles to get it fixed (the chances of finding help out in the middle-of-nowhere West Texas would be very slim in some places).

2) The MC with 16" wheels and sports package has a REALLY great ride to it. It reminds me a lot of my 3 series, which I really like. Firm, but not harsh. With the kind of driving I do, and the kinds of roads I often find myself on, this was an important issue to me.

3) The exact configuration for both cars worked out to costing me $2500 less for the MC than MCS. While I could afford either, I really had to ask myself if it was worth that much of a difference to me.

4) I like the hood lines and chrome much better on the MC than MCS. To me, the S is very "sports car"... and I'm more of a "sporty car" kind of guy, so the more classic look of the MC has more appeal to me.

5) Insurance for me would be about $100 cheaper per year and gas worked out to an estimated $160 per year cheaper for the MC than the MCS (that was using average city MPG NOT highway... so it's likely that estimate is low). While not significant numbers, they ARE things to consider.

6) For the type of driving I do, the MC proved to be quite sufficient from a power standpoint, and actually proved to be more enjoyable to my senses in stop-and-go city traffic than the MCS was (perhaps because of the taller 1st gear in the MCS... not sure).

Taking 3 and 5 above, the cost different ended up being $53 per month more I would spend for the MCS than the MC. So that's like $1 per horsepower. Would it really be worth it to me? Weighing the other factors in, I came to the conclusion that it would not be worth it to me. I could think of lots of cool things to do with the extra $600 per year that I would not be spending on a car payment :smile: So I changed my order to a MC, and am expecting it in about a month. I have no doubt I made the right decision... for me.

There are lots of people out there happy with both cars. Weigh all the pros and cons... all the things that matter to you... that are important to you... and just see how it all works out. And definitely... definitely go test drive a MC and MCS back to back.

Bob

 

Very well said Bob

>>Some great posts in this thread! I'll add my $0.02...
>>
>>I originally ordered a MCS. Didn't think there was any doubt that was what I wanted, so I test drove one, loved it, and put in an order. After that, I did some reading online, and a lot of thinking... and decided I should give a MC a test drive. I was extremely surprised. Then, after more thought, a pros and cons list, and a detailed budget list, I drove the MC a second time... this time being more critical about it... doing things like seeing if I can feel the difference with or without the A/C on, stopping on a very steep hill and seeing how it felt to get it going again, etc. I was very skeptical at first going with a "measely" 115 HP car. My current car is a BMW 325i, and the one before that was a 323i. It's not all about going fast for me... but it IS about great handling, great acceleration, and the all-around fun factor. Finally, after looking at this from every angle, I came up with reasons why I should get a MC instead of MCS:
>>
>>1) The MC has both spare tire AND run-flats (with sport package). A spare to me is a significant thing. I often take road trips that end up way out in the middle of nowhere, and really don't want to think about what would happen if I had a major tire failure that could not get me several hundred miles to get it fixed (the chances of finding help out in the middle-of-nowhere West Texas would be very slim in some places).
>>
>>2) The MC with 16" wheels and sports package has a REALLY great ride to it. It reminds me a lot of my 3 series, which I really like. Firm, but not harsh. With the kind of driving I do, and the kinds of roads I often find myself on, this was an important issue to me.
>>
>>3) The exact configuration for both cars worked out to costing me $2500 less for the MC than MCS. While I could afford either, I really had to ask myself if it was worth that much of a difference to me.
>>
>>4) I like the hood lines and chrome much better on the MC than MCS. To me, the S is very "sports car"... and I'm more of a "sporty car" kind of guy, so the more classic look of the MC has more appeal to me.
>>
>>5) Insurance for me would be about $100 cheaper per year and gas worked out to an estimated $160 per year cheaper for the MC than the MCS (that was using average city MPG NOT highway... so it's likely that estimate is low). While not significant numbers, they ARE things to consider.
>>
>>6) For the type of driving I do, the MC proved to be quite sufficient from a power standpoint, and actually proved to be more enjoyable to my senses in stop-and-go city traffic than the MCS was (perhaps because of the taller 1st gear in the MCS... not sure).
>>
>>Taking 3 and 5 above, the cost different ended up being $53 per month more I would spend for the MCS than the MC. So that's like $1 per horsepower. Would it really be worth it to me? Weighing the other factors in, I came to the conclusion that it would not be worth it to me. I could think of lots of cool things to do with the extra $600 per year that I would not be spending on a car payment :smile: So I changed my order to a MC, and am expecting it in about a month. I have no doubt I made the right decision... for me.
>>
>>There are lots of people out there happy with both cars. Weigh all the pros and cons... all the things that matter to you... that are important to you... and just see how it all works out. And definitely... definitely go test drive a MC and MCS back to back.
>>
>>Bob
>>
>>

 

Personaly I would buy them both.

 

I know you said you're set on IB, but bon't forget that the MC has many more color options than the MCS.

 

I use this car on my job as a network support person. Drive 200-300 miles on any given day! I test drove both cars several times. My decision was based on the fun of additional performance and stiffer handling. I like the feel of a sports car! What harsh ride??????????? I love my MCS w/ both packages and 17" Performance tires. Glad I went the extra. As some have said. and I know, that had I chose the Cooper equipped the way I would like it, it was the S. Go with the S, as I know more people who didnt and wish they had than those who wished they got the regular Cooper. What a super vehicle! I have never owned a car that got this much attention! Good luck!!

 

But does $100 bucks a week sound really all that bad?


Mike
PS MCS, all three, NAV

 

If all you want to do is COMMUTE then get a MC. Cheap insurance, better MPG, softer ride and slightly less chance of engine failure.

Now on the other hand if you want to DRIVE get a MCS. More power, tighter suspension, and more gears.

Just my $.02

 

supercharged

 

I'll gladly throw my vote with the Cooper folks. Although I don't do a ton of highway driving myself, the car exceeds all my expectations.

 

I've got an IB/W '02 Cooper - bonnet stripes, rally lamps. The handling and looks won me over. I have test-driven an S a few times now AFTER the fact just to torture myself...I have concluded speed is a slippery slope. Just how much quicker do I need to go? My cousin has a modded Subaru WRX - scary fast. Was looking at an Infiniti G35 coupe the other night with a friend - 280HP! In the end, I can go fast enough in my Cooper, and really, it's more about hitting the curves and shocking passengers from a handling standpoint to me. I also find that the more I read message boards, the more I realize I need an upgraded exhaust, cold - air intake, Sparco Milano seats, big brake kits, and an MCS...I suspect if I didn't read the boards, I'd never even think about the MCS or mods!

 

>>I also find that the more I read message boards, the more I realize I need an upgraded exhaust, cold - air intake, Sparco Milano seats, big brake kits, and an MCS...I suspect if I didn't read the boards, I'd never even think about the MCS or mods!


Hmmm. Me too! I'm really pleased as punch with my Cooper.

 

You know...I bought my MC and sort of regretted not getting an S for about 5 weeks. Now after having my MC and having a very lengthy conversation with my Service Manager this week, I am so glad that I have an MC rather than the S. You can modify so many thing on the Cooper. The guy also told me that with the OEM Sports Exhaust, and Sports Intake (still working out the carbon fiber -heat- issue, will be released soon) that is designed for the MC only (as of now), will bring total hp to 156 for the MC. Now, these mods will probably end up costing a total of $2K or less, but it's still cheaper than the S, and you can enter the "naturally aspirated" races. (if you're into that). I am very happy with my MC and doubt if I will ever buy MCS.

 

>>It all depends on the type of driver you are... If you're like me and frequently feel the need for speed, then the S is the only way to go (not that the MC is slow, it just doesn't have as much guts as the S). On the other hand, if you were say, my wife, you wouldn't have any reason to own the S. She drives a fire-engine red Passat VR6 and has probably floored it once or twice. So if you don't really find yourself wanting to race around town, go supercharger-free, we'll still love you.

 

>>It all depends on the type of driver you are... If you're like me and frequently feel the need for speed, then the S is the only way to go (not that the MC is slow, it just doesn't have as much guts as the S).

I disagree.... the MC has guts...as much as the S, there is only about $3000 in differance. Toss a sunroof on an S and you have a MC.

 

The MC is a great car. Driving it revealed a slightly smoother and quieter ride. And the styling is far closer to the original MINI, which I think is classier.

But! More horsepower is always good, whether it's a Ford or a MINI. The MCS has more torque too, so it's a more flexible,easier car to drive.

I agree with an earlier post. Get both!

 

2. You can get a MCS and spend much less changing the things you prefer about the MC.

cool.....how do I get a spare underneath and get rid of the hood scoop then, laugh!

I bought the MCS but if I had to do it over, I would have bought the MC, after driving the MC with sport suspension after buying my MCS, I think the MC handles better although not as fast over 40 mph....I just like the classic looks of the MC better with more chrome, no hood scoop....I finally had the rear spoiler removed because I couldn't stand looking at it anymore, laugh. Of course the first mod I made was getting rid of the awful runflats, that's why I would love to have a spare. Of course the new RS will have the same design that I don't like so much with the MCS but it will be a lot faster than the MCS, so maybe I'll give it a test drive since I'm on the list just in case it is something special...

 

2. You can get a MCS and spend much less changing the things you prefer about the MC.

cool.....how do I get a spare underneath and get rid of the hood scoop then, laugh!

I bought the MCS but if I had to do it over, I would have bought the MC, after driving the MC with sport suspension after buying my MCS, I think the MC handles better although not as fast over 40 mph....I just like the classic looks of the MC better with more chrome, no hood scoop....I finally had the rear spoiler removed because I couldn't stand looking at it anymore, laugh. Of course the first mod I made was getting rid of the awful runflats, that's why I would love to have a spare. Of course the new RS will have the same design that I don't like so much with the MCS but it will be a lot faster than the MCS, so maybe I'll give it a test drive since I'm on the list just in case it is something special...

 

I would say test drive both also. I was all about having an S too when I was first looking at them. I test drove the S first and didn't much like the way it shifted. It felt tight and really close together...bad explanation I know but...I then drove the Cooper and in comparison to my VW it was a huge difference. Plus in my case it was I could get one that would make me complete today or wait 8 months and get lots of speeding tickets. I went to a MINI meet the other weekend and I was surpriced to come away without a feeling of "gee, I really wished I would have held out for an S" I love my car and I am completely satisfied. Again, I say test drive and if worse comes to worse do a pros and cons for yourself.

 

Performance apart (The S is better, no question), for me the Cooper provides more value for the price. The style is very similar (I actually love all the chrome in the regular ).

In my case what disqualified the Cooper S were two things: The suspension is very stiff for the roads of Mexico City, making it an uncomfortable car for everyday driving), and the price... The cheapest S goes for $25K dls, way too expensive for such a little car.

For 25K you can get cars that will leave the Cooper S eating dust, so if you only care about performance its not that great either.

Still in good roads I bet the Cooper S is a blast to rev and feel the power. It´s all a matter of which characteristics you prefer, and then set your price

 

For me it was a no-brainer. I never even considered getting anything other then the S. As for the sunroof; I find the non solid sunscreen unacceptable for sunny Southern California, not to mention the numerous posts on this and other forums as to rattles emanating from the sunroof. I also don’t like the ascetics of the large black sunroof pane on the white top and a very small concern is the fairly high weight penalty and reduced interior head room with the S/R.

 

I bought an S because I wanted the power and handling. But I drove an MC before I bought the S and it was positively joyful. There won't be many times when you will tell the difference in performance (are you screeching 'round corners on the way to the market?).

The advantages of the MC are the aesthetics, ride, and color options. While I love my 'Lectric Bloo MCS, I really liked the (old) Silk Green as well.

Am I sorry I bought and MCS? No way. I love it. Would I have been just as happy with an MC? Chances are...

 

Just to flip this thread back the other way :smile:

I am astonished how much better I am enjoying my MCS after three days, than my MC. There is so much more low end torque for running round town - I can stay in fourth (even fifth, as I experimented today) while doing 25-30 through town.

My MC used to surge when it hit 4000 rpm, and then had lots of power. The MCS appears to do the same thing at about 2000 rpm, which is much more drivable point.
My MCS seems to have the latest software - it does this great rev to 1500+ when I start the engine, which older MCS's do not do ... maybe that improves the overall car for me? Maybe a latest software MC would be better than the one I just traded in?

Handling - no difference; ride - if anything, softer (new tires?); interior - better but only because of anthracite (I was not keen on the old swirly finish); price - well ... I guess the MC wins here!

 

I would have told you that I knew what car I want to order but I can't decide on what color I want. but now I'm back to not knowing what car I want! :???: I will definately have to test drive each - perhaps test drive each a couple times!!!

 

I'm with Mully- I got the Cooper not only because I think the lines are classier, but because I wanted the car in velvet red- an option not available on the S.

 

It's all based on personal preference.

I picked the Cooper because....

1. I am not a fan of the bonnet scoop so much...and I like the overall body styling of the Cooper better.

2. I wanted the CVT...I live in the city and I am in stop and go traffic ALOT.

The Cooper is fast enough for me....I have never felt any remorse in getting a Cooper instead of an S.

But it is all personal preference. You will be happy in the end!