I have never even driven a MC, but have had two MCS's. A 2002 MCS tin top ("Miss MINI") and now a 2005 MCSC ("Samantha" or "Sam") - both 6 speed.

Today, Sam is getting a new top and two side rear windows, and I was given a new MCC (2k on the clock) while Sam is in the hospital.

What's the difference between a supercharged and NA Cooper?

Minuses
This little car doesn't have the "kick-in-the-pants" acceleration that Sam does. Is it because it is an automatic, and Sam is a 6 speed? Don't know. This car had a terrible buzzing noise coming out of the rear with the stereo (HK) turned up - I fixed that by fastening the rear seat belts (won't even charge Hendrick MINI for that one). This one doesn't have front or rear fog lights. Really needed? No. The brakes feel mushy on this one compared to Sam, but I have put slotted / drilled rotors with Greenstuff pads on Sam, and didn't realize the difference until I drove stock again.

Pluses
This one is a proper "Sports Car" color - "Please-Give-Me-A-Speeding-Ticket" Chili Red (sweet). Sam is stealthy Jet Black. This one is begging for some curves, just like Sam, and I'm sure she would eat them up, just like Sam. This one draws the "don't look Ethyl, he's naked" stares, just like Sam. For a do it yourselfer like me, the engine compartment is not NEAR as crowded as Sam's - that's a BIG plus.

Would I buy a NA Cooper?

In a heart-beat. And save close to $3K in the process which leaves you more for goodies. I realize that there are MANY more differences between a NA and supercharged Cooper. What pleases one person won't necessarily please another - especially when it comes to cars. Thank God we have that option. The MINI Cooper and the MINI Cooper S both please me. (And yes, Sam, I still love you.)

 

I think your MCC loaner must be getting bogged down a bit with the auto. because I had an MCC loaner last month while my S was in for service and I was really impressed with the acceleration (my loaner was a 5-speed).

I was so impressed that I'm hoping to add an MCC to my garage later this winter.

 

Very nice, Two MINI's in the garage.Life is good.

 

Drove my friend's '02 Cooper the other day, and kept chirping the tires on takeoff. It's probably a combination of the relatively skinny 175mm tires and slightly lower gearing, but I never accidentally chirp the tires on my S. And the bonnet is cute. But the standard seats suck - give me sport seats anytime, baby.

 

Life isn't that good yet. Still trying to save the money up for the second one.

 

I bet that the auto is some of the problem. But for us people that aren't going to mod a lot an S is really the way to go. Though I'm beginning to get the itch to do a couple of things....rubbing hands emoticon!!!

 

Just went to the garage to check out "Chili Red", and realized why I got this car as a loaner. The last time I was at the dealership, I remarked about the license plate on a cute MCC in their drive. The last three digits were "666". (!!) I said "that's unfortunate to get that plate, and I wouldn't have it on the back of my car". (The DOT hands them out in order...)

I'm now driving that car.


(pray for me)

 

 

I drove both in my test drives and often take an MC out as a courtesy car when my car is in for service. I found the MC requires more driver involvement. You need to flog the engine harder to get on power but there's enough power there for most driving. So if your idea of motoring is working the engine and rowing through gears, then the MC is a pretty good choice. The suspension is softer in the MC as the difference between Sport suspension and sport suspension plus. Wheels and brakes, you can option any way you like.

The MC is a wee bit lighter so handling might be a bit better on the MC, though low end power makes up for that in the MCS. The MCS does cost more money, but I think you get pretty good value for money in the upgrade.

I did, however find it disconcerting that reverse is on opposite side of the shift pattern and when driving an MC. I find myself looking for that 6th gear only to find reverse.

For most intents and purposes, if I didn't drive over hills as much as I do in my daily commute, I probably would have bought a Cooper.

Good luck in your decision.

 

I would chalk it up to the auto.

The 5-speed examples I've driven in the last year were enough to convince me that I wanted a MC and not an MCS. My '02 MCS goes up for sale as soon as my '06 MC gets here.

 

I love my MCS and I love my wife's Cooper CVT.

For 99% of my driving, my wife's Cooper is preferable.

 

I just had to drive a MC auto to realize that the extra 3k was worth the extra 60 hp. If you drive on a freeway where acceleration is the key, I would get the S, otherwise if your a country road guy the regular would be fine.

 

Understandable.

My wife asked me the other day whether driving a six speed in traffic was a hassle.

I said...









wait for it...









here it comes...









"No, after a while it's automatic".




Lousey joke. Right?

edit: and no, I didn't start this thread just so I could tell that stupid joke...

 

Why you little devil.

 

Guess "Chili Red" and "666" goes together, but THAT'S NOT FUNNY!





Now I'm worried...

 

I didn't realize until just now that Rev. Limiter actually is Reverend Limiter. Most people don't use their real names. What do your parishioners think of your license plate ?

 

Rev. Limiter: We have something in common. Just I am not in my profession at this time. Someday if it is HIS will.....

I personally have no desire for a blower. IMHO the MCS is BUTT UGGLY. And 100% not in the spirit of the Mini Cooper S. I think that they should have went 2.0 liter engine. But what do I know!

The SAD FACT is this: Model Year 2007 it doesn't matter anyway. Unless MINIUSA brings the MINI ONE to the states they all will have Turbos. Another shining example of BMW making changes for "kicks and giggles",
taking a perfect car and SCREWING it up!

 

Wonder if they make one of these for the MINI...






This is pretty close...





At least this one has wings. MINI wings?






OMG!

ANYTHING but 666...

 

I have a MC and just bought a MCS to replace it. The MC is great, I love it and hate to have to sell it. Stock it still was the funnest car I've had, because of the handling. Ive had faster cars, but not having to slow down much in the corners more than makes up for it. But after a while I got bored and wished it was faster and spent a few grand on upgrades (though only 10-15 horsepower gain). Now it is even more fun, but pretty much topped out. So of course I began wanting the MCS, and I finally found a steal of a deal and took the plunge.

So I guess my answer is if you want a fun car but dont care about racing every car you come across at the stoplight, the MC is great. But if you have a little attitude and dont like to lose, the MCS is worth the extra cash. And if you start modding your MC, you probably wont ever stop and will spend that extra bit you saved while never getting near the horsepower.

Good luck on your decision. And by the way my 02 MC is up for sale soon, with the K&N intake, Mini Mania exhaust and brake upgrade. It growls.

 

Just in case anyone thought I was kidding...





Sorry for the quality of the picture. I'm kinda sssscared to back it out of the garage!