Hey guys! Just wondering if all you MCS owners out there ever feel like they wish they had more power? Do you guys have any trouble passing people/ keeping up on the road at all? Im debating on whether or not to go with the JCW package! The regular MCS would be much easier on my wallet at this point in time! I just dont want to be caught wishing I had gone with the JCW! THanks!

 

You can install the JCW at any time. (Almost any time... when you get over like 75,000 miles then it's risky to mix with the rest of the parts. Don't quote me on that, but I remember an interview where they said something similar.)

I don't have my MCS yet and I'm not getting the JCW (from the factory at least Maybe if I win the lottery... )... so maybe someone else will be able to help you with their opinion.

 

I own a 2005 MCS and the power it provides more is more than ample for street driving. I very rarely rev it beyond 4500 rpm except going on ramps during non rush hour. The only time I wish I had more power is when I take it to the tracks where you have long stretch of straight aways.

I also thought aobut JCW but in the end decided not to because I figure if I really wanted it I can always go back and have it retrofitted. When I test drove the regular MCS I had my friend (200lb) and the sales guy (180lb) both with me in the car (I weight 180). The car was still impressively fast for 1st drive impression so on the spot I didn't feel JCW was needed.

Whatever you decide just make sure you get LSD from the factory!

Mike

 

You're kidding, right??


For me the question has always been..."maybe I should have got the MC?"

I seem to "push the envelope" in a big hurry with just the stock MCS. So, beautiful though the JCW is, it wasn't on my list (although most JCW owners will not have any regrets, I'm sure!).

 

Test-drive all the MINI models to see which one you prefer. You can go the JCW route or the aftermarket tuner route. The MINI is more about fantastic handling than straight-line speed. You will be quite pleased when you are getting up to speed on the highway and realize that you have PLENTY of go-power when needed, even in the stock MINIs. The fun of MINI discovery begins....

 

It's enough to get me in a lot of trouble really fast.

 

and there are times when I would like to have more. That's why I keep adding stuff.....

But I'm finding that you run into traction issues. but with more power down low, you don't have to shift nearly as much.

If the JCW is a stretch, you'll be happy with the stock S. If you can afford it, go for it! I don't think you'll be dissapointed either way.

The works power is nice, but it sure comes at a price.....

Matt

 

the question you should be asking is "what cars will be able to keep up with me?" it's a short list... but you will find that no matter how much you have, you'll always want more

 

To me my MCS has enough power. The MCS has a very nice balance of power & handling. The JCW is a lot of money, but it's nice. Can't have enough power I guess. Just costs lots of $$$$.

 

Does this mean I'm suppose to be having trouble keeping up/passing people in my MC?

I never noticed that.

 

You know guys, I bet if the MINI Cooper S raced the best cars in the world (besides another MINI) in very tight areas, like busy city streets, the MINI would win. No other car would be able to keep up with the tight space handling, and even if they could, the MINI is smaller, so it could squeeze more! lol It's not about speed at that point, it's about handling.

**Note to self : If the men in black are ever looking for me, find a busy area, and lose them with the MINI!

 

Aside from being a little slow off the line, I say the MCS has more than enough power for normal town and highway driving. Once up to speed, the handling characteristics are fantastic and there is plenty of power to spare for passing slower vehicles or trying to keep up with Glenn (weaveeg) on a Sierra Nevada Mini Coopers run around Lake Tahoe.

 

You'll wish you'd gotten one of those hideous 300hp WRX STIs that look like yesterday's Corollas. JCW is >=$5500.00 (installed) to get to an unimpressive $200hp. A stock MCS is seriously underpowered, and one has to risk one's warranty to get the power up near 200hp.

It appears that the 2007 turbo is going to be just as disappointing. Moreover, the S doesn't recover any performance from its lack of power via light weight. The car is unbelievably heavy for a vehicle that is less than 12 feet long.

It appears that they just made it altogether too big, probably to be suitable for the American market where everything is oversized and overweight to be comfortable for the big gulp/fries-with-that crowd that clogs our roadways. Note that the MCS is at least 1/4 larger and over twice the mass of some of the older original Minis.

 

You would most likely lose that bet ... not to disparage the great handling of our MINIs. Elises will dance circles around it (figurately speaking), weigh 800 pounds less and just about as small. Road and Track tested the 10 best sports car and a Boxster set their "record" besting a Ferrari Enzo in the Slalom.

To give you some perspective see here http://www.wraight.com/MINI/Comparo.pdf

MINI JCW slalom speed 66.2 mph

Now here: http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....&page_number=9
Boxster slalom speed 73.9 mph

Thats a pretty huge difference.

How about ... BEST in the $25K range

 

My opinions:

1. The stock MC is enough power for normal street driving and is awesome in the corners.

2. The stock MCS is plenty for normal street driving and is awesome in the corners.

3. A highly modded MCS or JCW is more than enough for normal street driving. You can only legally go so fast so to truly enjoy this level you may want to track it.

4. Being a 4 banger it will always be a little slow off the line.

5. The MCS will not keep up with the best cars in the world. That is a bit ridiculous.

6. A new base model MCS ($25K) will probably keep up with any new car that is less than $40K then you hit the price range of superior performance vehicles (Lotus, etc)

7. That is excellent bang for the buck

8. Have fun and be safe.

 

^^^^^^+1

 

I agree with everything you said except for your "numbers" here and this is just for information only ...

Spec out a MCS convt (to be fair) and its easy to get to $35K. Add JCW and your in low 40s. "New" 2005 Elises are ... low 40s.

Yes, you can get a stripped MCS if thats your thing. Just trying to show how ridiculously priced "luxary" specced out MCS can be.

 

I bought an 03 MC for my wife in April 03. Last year she decided she wanted a Scion XB (go figure) so I took her MC. I loved it! It was great but I was always drooling for more power. Last fall I traded it in on an 06 MCS. The JCWs was too pricey for me but I am VERY pleased with the MCS. I used to sweat when passing on a 2 lane road. No more! I just downshift, floor it, and disappear! It's great!

 

Agreed, but I dont consider a MINI without all the bells and whistles "stripped", its still a nice car that performs very well. Many or most of the extras ie. convertible, metallic paint, sunroof, etc dont add any performance value (some do), and this thread is about power/performance, which is why I estimated the price of a base model 06 MCS (not a Cabrio) vs. a base model 06 Lotus. These $25K and $40K numbers were rough estimates to show that you can get almost double the performance value and if I was off I apologize. Jonathan's quote mentioned the MCS and did not mention the JCW which is why I didnt include that in the price either.

 

Agreed, if your only talking performance, you can a "non-optioned" MCS under $25K.

The problem is, very, very few people actually have the restrained to do that. It would be interested to find out the "average" MSRP of all MCS sold. I bet for 06 they are pushing $30K

BTW, 06 Elise is 43.5K

 

Have you heard the expression "butt dyno"? A dynonometer measures the power output of your engine at the wheels. That feeling of your butt being pushed back into the seat as you stomp on the accelerator is your butt dyno.

I recently found myself on a straight road, about 1.5 miles long, that has no crossings. Figuring the only danger was catching up to somebody (and there was no one in sight) I put my foot to the floor in every gear, shifting at 5500k. Man, my butt dyno was impressed.

 

Yes, if you read the original post we are only talking about performance.

I have edited my numbers just for you. Happy?

 

You really need to test drive the S and the JCW. There's a substantial difference, but the question you must answer is: How much is enough?

What car are you coming from? Do you use its maximum performance often? Do you live in a hilly or mountainous area?

Try to approximate your normal driving on the test drives, don't spend all of your time with your foot to the floor. See which version is best in your normal routine.

Rawhyde

 

That is my normal routine. I actually find I'm a more tame driver now because I can't push the car to its limits anywhere near as often so I don't have the need to satisfy the butt dyno as much.

 

Well said.
Having started with a 23k '05MCS I have to admit I would not have missed all the fun of doing mods myself even if JCW was free (not finished yet either ). Stock it has plenty of power and fun. More than enough for a grin and a ticket! Simple mods such as Alta Cai (do it yourself) and a 15% pulley (get it installed unless you like turning wrenches) and a sway bar upgrade (ditto) will take you to the next major grin level for less than a grand.
Either way, you are in a win - win situation! Motor On!

PS - Eyeballing an Elise real hard myself.

Tim