R50/53 Should COLOR or "S"peed decide??
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1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
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Hello Fellow MINI lovers,
I've read this forum for a while..though this is my first post. I am looking forward to ordering my MINI but I am truly torn over the issues of Asthetics VS Torque. I like many of the Coopers COLOR selections--especially Pepper White and Velvet Red -- but the S, I believe, would give me the better driving experience.
For those of you who already own the cars and drive them everyday, is there really that much of a difference in the driving experience of the "S" and the Cooper?? It's SO hard to tell in a 20 minute test drive. Will I regret trading my favorite color choices to get an "S" that doesn't make much difference?? ...and to be honest, I'm not a big fan of the "nose" in the hood on the "S". The clean lines on the front of the Cooper are much nicer "to me".
HELLLLPPP???
Any advice/thoughts would be appreciated.
Lisa
I've read this forum for a while..though this is my first post. I am looking forward to ordering my MINI but I am truly torn over the issues of Asthetics VS Torque. I like many of the Coopers COLOR selections--especially Pepper White and Velvet Red -- but the S, I believe, would give me the better driving experience.
For those of you who already own the cars and drive them everyday, is there really that much of a difference in the driving experience of the "S" and the Cooper?? It's SO hard to tell in a 20 minute test drive. Will I regret trading my favorite color choices to get an "S" that doesn't make much difference?? ...and to be honest, I'm not a big fan of the "nose" in the hood on the "S". The clean lines on the front of the Cooper are much nicer "to me".
HELLLLPPP???
Any advice/thoughts would be appreciated.
Lisa
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Longmont, Colorado
AESTHETICS: The plain Cooper looks best... with the chrome grill and no nostril! It just looks wrong with body-colored grill slats.
TORQUE: What torque? There is less torque on the S until 2500 RPM -- because the compression ratio is lower... The 'S" would be good if you actually have lots of open highway. Plain Cooper is spunky enough as long as you're not at a high altitude and plan on having passengers with the A/C on!
Another thing to consider is that the 'S' is newer and more complex -- so it may possibly have more problems...
Buy the Cooper now, so you'll have more money to get the Cabriolet version when it comes out!
TORQUE: What torque? There is less torque on the S until 2500 RPM -- because the compression ratio is lower... The 'S" would be good if you actually have lots of open highway. Plain Cooper is spunky enough as long as you're not at a high altitude and plan on having passengers with the A/C on!
Another thing to consider is that the 'S' is newer and more complex -- so it may possibly have more problems...
Buy the Cooper now, so you'll have more money to get the Cabriolet version when it comes out!
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 141
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From: Arizona, USA
I don't have my S, yet, still waiting, but I've driven them each a couple of times and back to back. Even though you have to get the revs up in the "S" there is just no comparison. The thing pulls like a steam train and frankly the standard Cooper is gutless to the 10th Power.
That said, I guess it would come down to your driving style. You also have the option of doing some after market tweaking, like an exhaust and chip, which will add a bit of a punch to the standard Cooper. John Cooper Works has a conversion already that, I believe, is good for about 135 hp (total), up from 115 ?.
Either way you're going to look good even if you are getting passed by Honda's and Kia's :smile:. Aesthetically speaking both are great. I'm sure this doesn't help one bit. I sound as wishy-washy as a politician.
Happy Motoring.
That said, I guess it would come down to your driving style. You also have the option of doing some after market tweaking, like an exhaust and chip, which will add a bit of a punch to the standard Cooper. John Cooper Works has a conversion already that, I believe, is good for about 135 hp (total), up from 115 ?.
Either way you're going to look good even if you are getting passed by Honda's and Kia's :smile:. Aesthetically speaking both are great. I'm sure this doesn't help one bit. I sound as wishy-washy as a politician.
Happy Motoring.
7th Gear Gal
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 36,087
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From: Weeblegabber West (aka WLA)
>>I don't have my S, yet, still waiting, but I've driven them each a couple of times and back to back. Even though you have to get the revs up in the "S" there is just no comparison. The thing pulls like a steam train and frankly the standard Cooper is gutless to the 10th Power.
>>
>>That said, I guess it would come down to your driving style. You also have the option of doing some after market tweaking, like an exhaust and chip, which will add a bit of a punch to the standard Cooper. John Cooper Works has a conversion already that, I believe, is good for about 135 hp (total), up from 115 ?.
>>
>>Either way you're going to look good even if you are getting passed by Honda's and Kia's :smile:. Aesthetically speaking both are great. I'm sure this doesn't help one bit. I sound as wishy-washy as a politician.
>>
>>Happy Motoring.
Wishy-washy? NOT! You just flamed the Cooper in a most "impolitic" manner.
Gutless? How rude!
Cheers!
Clover
>>
>>That said, I guess it would come down to your driving style. You also have the option of doing some after market tweaking, like an exhaust and chip, which will add a bit of a punch to the standard Cooper. John Cooper Works has a conversion already that, I believe, is good for about 135 hp (total), up from 115 ?.
>>
>>Either way you're going to look good even if you are getting passed by Honda's and Kia's :smile:. Aesthetically speaking both are great. I'm sure this doesn't help one bit. I sound as wishy-washy as a politician.
>>
>>Happy Motoring.
Wishy-washy? NOT! You just flamed the Cooper in a most "impolitic" manner.
Gutless? How rude!
Cheers!
Clover
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 188
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From: san francisco, CA
i agree,
it come down to your driving style. however, if you are even close to those who "opens it up" every once in a while, then you got to get the S because if you don't, one day you might need that extra 48 Bhp and when it's not there for you, i.e. regular cooper, then you'll be punching yourself. personally, i need more from my cooper s. beside, which color in the cooper line up is more appealing than the cooper s?
bbt4
electric blue cooper s
california
it come down to your driving style. however, if you are even close to those who "opens it up" every once in a while, then you got to get the S because if you don't, one day you might need that extra 48 Bhp and when it's not there for you, i.e. regular cooper, then you'll be punching yourself. personally, i need more from my cooper s. beside, which color in the cooper line up is more appealing than the cooper s?
bbt4
electric blue cooper s
california
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Lockport, NY, USA
Here's my test drive history...
Test drove a Cooper, about a week or so after launch date, had a great time.
Test drove a Cooper S in June, had yet again, another great time.
Test drove a Cooper right after the S in June, couldn't wait to get around the block to drop it back off. Total let down after driving the MCS...
And I also thought that the Cooper looked better then the MCS, but the MCS grew on me... (i'm still waiting for mine...) and now the Cooper looks like it's lacking something...
Sooo... I wouldn't let color decide, but I would let my driving style/road conditions decide for me if I was sitting on the fence...
Rocketboy_X
Test drove a Cooper, about a week or so after launch date, had a great time.
Test drove a Cooper S in June, had yet again, another great time.
Test drove a Cooper right after the S in June, couldn't wait to get around the block to drop it back off. Total let down after driving the MCS...
And I also thought that the Cooper looked better then the MCS, but the MCS grew on me... (i'm still waiting for mine...) and now the Cooper looks like it's lacking something...
Sooo... I wouldn't let color decide, but I would let my driving style/road conditions decide for me if I was sitting on the fence...
Rocketboy_X
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5th Gear
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From: San Diego
Cars are like wives. If you get the wrong color, you'll always regret it. No matter how they perform....in the kitchen that is. Ron
Would it be politically correct to change wives to spouses? Well because I'm nearly 70 years old I'll leave it, my wife is great in the kitchen and.....
Lighten up!
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sirron
Would it be politically correct to change wives to spouses? Well because I'm nearly 70 years old I'll leave it, my wife is great in the kitchen and.....
Lighten up!
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sirron
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I think the big issue is where you drive. I live in the Los Angeles Area and see no opportunity on a daily basis where the extra 'guts' of the "S" matter. To reach speeds or accelerate to where it would matter guarantees a speeding ticket. Besides I think the Cooper (which I bought) has PLENTY of power. I've driven with four adults inside, A/C on and no problem. I've also owned other turbo/super charged cars and they can be a risky proposition and expensive to maintain down the line. If you are leasing, I guess that's not an issue but, if buying?????????? Of course it's
hard to tell as this car is a new project but, that alone can often spell disaster. I sure wouldn't mind having the "S" but, for the extra dough and as my 16 year old son is also driving the car, plus all the reasons above the Cooper is MORE than adequate for me and aesthetics certainly do count for something. I think the Cooper looks better. Either way, I think you won't go wrong and, at least with my carrier, there was no difference in the insurance.
hard to tell as this car is a new project but, that alone can often spell disaster. I sure wouldn't mind having the "S" but, for the extra dough and as my 16 year old son is also driving the car, plus all the reasons above the Cooper is MORE than adequate for me and aesthetics certainly do count for something. I think the Cooper looks better. Either way, I think you won't go wrong and, at least with my carrier, there was no difference in the insurance.
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 16
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From: San Diego
I must say that I am having the same difficulties, but here is how I am resolving it. I really love the Indi blue with the white top. Personally, I don't think any other combination compares, so I would be "settling" for one of the S colors. Also, I too believe the lines and chrome touches of the Cooper are much more appealing than the S model. Finally, although I am itching to have more power, I truly am happy with the spunk that my Cooper has now. It seems that the only ones that put it down are those that try the S model and try to compare. I am not going to drive the S model yet, so I won't know what's missing. Meanwhile, I feel confident that my Coop is much better looking than what I could get as an "S".
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Charlotte, NC
I live north of Charlotte NC and the roads all over are great for my MCS. Twists and turns, up and down and mostly very smooth. My biggest problem is that I'll wind up in jail cause this car wants to RUN!! There is no subsiture for horsepower! Give me more! When a kit comes out to bump the hp to 200, I'll have it. Besides, you can't see the color of the car going down the road.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 233
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From: Virginia Beach
Interesting question. I test drove both cars back to back many times for 20-30 minutes each time. It really depends on what is more important to you. Do you prefer style (ie the color and shape) or do you prefer performance?
For me, the MC was just too underpowered. The S just gave me a more enjoyable drive. But, if you don't care that much about performance and you get a car in a color and style you don't particularly like then you will be unhappy. You like the lines of the MC hood over the S hood and you like the colors for the MC. If that is the case then those might be enough reasons for you to get an MC. You will get the color and hood that you like. Unless you like performance.
I guess I am just weird. I know the majority seem to love the MC's hood and are not to wild over the S' hood. I personally love the hood scoop on the S. I think it is much cooler than the MC's hood. But, I'm obviously in the minority!
At any rate, you seem to really like the shape and color of the MC more than the S. So, unless you need the extra hp, I would suggest you get the MC.
______________________________
2003 Cooper S Red w/white roof, mirrors, bonnet stripes, rims, sunroof & rally lights
For me, the MC was just too underpowered. The S just gave me a more enjoyable drive. But, if you don't care that much about performance and you get a car in a color and style you don't particularly like then you will be unhappy. You like the lines of the MC hood over the S hood and you like the colors for the MC. If that is the case then those might be enough reasons for you to get an MC. You will get the color and hood that you like. Unless you like performance.
I guess I am just weird.
I know the majority seem to love the MC's hood and are not to wild over the S' hood. I personally love the hood scoop on the S. I think it is much cooler than the MC's hood. But, I'm obviously in the minority! At any rate, you seem to really like the shape and color of the MC more than the S. So, unless you need the extra hp, I would suggest you get the MC.
______________________________
2003 Cooper S Red w/white roof, mirrors, bonnet stripes, rims, sunroof & rally lights
Coordinator :: Mid-Atlantic
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From: Baltiluthermonium
I am personally more fond with the appearance of the Cooper.....I just could not get into that bonnet intake!
I am not one of those people that feels the need to drag race so the Cooper will work just fine for me.....I am however going to get it chipped in order to give it a little more power.....
And it is not cool for some people on here to be ******* the Cooper like that, just because you think your S is better....I find it a little insulting actually...... :evil:
Which ever you decide to choose will ultimately be the best choice for you!
Cheers!
L.Mini
I am not one of those people that feels the need to drag race so the Cooper will work just fine for me.....I am however going to get it chipped in order to give it a little more power.....
And it is not cool for some people on here to be ******* the Cooper like that, just because you think your S is better....I find it a little insulting actually...... :evil:
Which ever you decide to choose will ultimately be the best choice for you!
Cheers!
L.Mini
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Virginia Beach
Hmm, I sure wasn't ******* on the MC at all. I think it has it strong points. Classic lines and a good price. I just like more horsepower and love the hood scoop of the S. But, they are both great cars because they are both MINIs!!!
7th Gear Gal
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 36,087
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From: Weeblegabber West (aka WLA)
>>I think the big issue is where you drive. I live in the Los Angeles Area and see no opportunity on a daily basis where the extra 'guts' of the "S" matter. To reach speeds or accelerate to where it would matter guarantees a speeding ticket. Besides I think the Cooper (which I bought) has PLENTY of power. I've driven with four adults inside, A/C on and no problem. I've also owned other turbo/super charged cars and they can be a risky proposition and expensive to maintain down the line. If you are leasing, I guess that's not an issue but, if buying?????????? Of course it's
>>hard to tell as this car is a new project but, that alone can often spell disaster. I sure wouldn't mind having the "S" but, for the extra dough and as my 16 year old son is also driving the car, plus all the reasons above the Cooper is MORE than adequate for me and aesthetics certainly do count for something. I think the Cooper looks better. Either way, I think you won't go wrong and, at least with my carrier, there was no difference in the insurance.
>>
Uh oh! Something must have happened! Are we in a parallel universe? I totally agree with EVERYTHING your said, RJSquirrel!
Cheers!
Clover
>>hard to tell as this car is a new project but, that alone can often spell disaster. I sure wouldn't mind having the "S" but, for the extra dough and as my 16 year old son is also driving the car, plus all the reasons above the Cooper is MORE than adequate for me and aesthetics certainly do count for something. I think the Cooper looks better. Either way, I think you won't go wrong and, at least with my carrier, there was no difference in the insurance.
>>
Uh oh! Something must have happened! Are we in a parallel universe? I totally agree with EVERYTHING your said, RJSquirrel!
Cheers!
Clover
Coordinator :: Mid-Atlantic
Joined: May 2002
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From: Baltiluthermonium
I will be able to get the best of both worlds for me when I get the car chipped and the exhaust put on....
And Rokk1...that wasn't directed at you, dear! I hadn't even read your comment....I was flustered by something I read farther up, but I'm over it now!
And Rokk1...that wasn't directed at you, dear! I hadn't even read your comment....I was flustered by something I read farther up, but I'm over it now!
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 3,359
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From: New Jersey
>>
>>I guess I am just weird.
I know the majority seem to love the MC's hood and are not to wild over the S' hood. I personally love the hood scoop on the S. I think it is much cooler than the MC's hood. But, I'm obviously in the minority!
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1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
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Hello, It's Lisa again, the originator of this post. Thanks for all of your comments and advice. I really appreciate it. Still deciding though -- so if you have anything else to add on this issue, please lemme know. :smile:
Question: Why don't they make the "S" in Pepper White (which is so classy) or Velvet Red. I don't understand the theory behind the color differences for the two cars. If some can be dual colors (ie, Red, BRG, Silver, Black) why can't all of the colors be available for all of the cars.
And for those of you who've asked, I'm coming out of a BMW 525 and VW Passat -- both V6's and around 200 HP. I think that the Cooper might bore me...but with the "S" the colors do!
Back to square one. HELLLLPPPPP
Lisa
Question: Why don't they make the "S" in Pepper White (which is so classy) or Velvet Red. I don't understand the theory behind the color differences for the two cars. If some can be dual colors (ie, Red, BRG, Silver, Black) why can't all of the colors be available for all of the cars.
And for those of you who've asked, I'm coming out of a BMW 525 and VW Passat -- both V6's and around 200 HP. I think that the Cooper might bore me...but with the "S" the colors do!
Back to square one. HELLLLPPPPP
Lisa
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 233
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From: Virginia Beach
>>I will be able to get the best of both worlds for me when I get the car chipped and the exhaust put on....
>>And Rokk1...that wasn't directed at you, dear! I hadn't even read your comment....I was flustered by something I >>read farther up, but I'm over it now!
L.Mini- Whew! Glad it wasn't me. Anyway, we all love our babies or soon to be babies so I don't blame you for getting flustered. And, by the way, Lisa4peace, this just may be your solution. Since you love the colors and style of the MC then I think you should get one and then chip the car and put a different exhaust on it. Or you could order one of the John Cooper Works performance upgrades for the MC. Then you'd have better performance, but the color and style that you want. By the way, I am coming off a VW Jetta with a VR6 engine, basically what you have in your Passat. The S and the VR6 are pretty much the same in terms of performance. The S may be a little faster due to it being lighter than a Jetta or Passat.
>>And Rokk1...that wasn't directed at you, dear! I hadn't even read your comment....I was flustered by something I >>read farther up, but I'm over it now!
L.Mini- Whew! Glad it wasn't me.
Anyway, we all love our babies or soon to be babies so I don't blame you for getting flustered. And, by the way, Lisa4peace, this just may be your solution. Since you love the colors and style of the MC then I think you should get one and then chip the car and put a different exhaust on it. Or you could order one of the John Cooper Works performance upgrades for the MC. Then you'd have better performance, but the color and style that you want. By the way, I am coming off a VW Jetta with a VR6 engine, basically what you have in your Passat. The S and the VR6 are pretty much the same in terms of performance. The S may be a little faster due to it being lighter than a Jetta or Passat.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 233
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From: Virginia Beach
>>Not so fast, Rokk1. I like the looks and styling of the 'S' as well. So it was a no-brainer for me. Didn't even test drive the reg Cooper, didn't need to.
>>
>>Oh yeah, I really dig the hood scoop...as long as they're functional, I love hood scoops!
>>
All right!! Somebody else likes the hood scoop, too! I was begining to feel alone. And I totally agree with your last statement. Hood scoops are very cool when functional and kinda lame when just for looks!
>>
>>Oh yeah, I really dig the hood scoop...as long as they're functional, I love hood scoops!
>>
All right!! Somebody else likes the hood scoop, too! I was begining to feel alone.
And I totally agree with your last statement. Hood scoops are very cool when functional and kinda lame when just for looks!
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,422
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From: Lockport, NY, USA
>>
>>I guess I am just weird. I know the majority seem to love the MC's hood and are not to wild over the S' hood. I personally love the hood scoop on the S. I think it is much cooler than the MC's hood. But, I'm obviously in the minority!
>>
Hey, you're not the only one... I like the scoop on the front of the MCS... but I do like the chrome on the MC...
Rocketboy_X
>>I guess I am just weird.
I know the majority seem to love the MC's hood and are not to wild over the S' hood. I personally love the hood scoop on the S. I think it is much cooler than the MC's hood. But, I'm obviously in the minority! >>
Hey, you're not the only one... I like the scoop on the front of the MCS... but I do like the chrome on the MC...
Rocketboy_X
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 233
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From: Virginia Beach
>>>>I guess I am just weird. I know the majority seem to love the MC's hood and are not to wild over the S' hood. I personally love the hood scoop on the S. I think it is much cooler than the MC's hood. But, I'm obviously in the minority!
>>>>
>>
>>Hey, you're not the only one... I like the scoop on the front of the MCS... but I do like the chrome on the MC...
>>
>>Rocketboy_X
I agree. I was really bummed out when I was told that the S came with body colored grille instead of a chrome one. The chrome looks so much better to me.
I know the majority seem to love the MC's hood and are not to wild over the S' hood. I personally love the hood scoop on the S. I think it is much cooler than the MC's hood. But, I'm obviously in the minority! >>>>
>>
>>Hey, you're not the only one... I like the scoop on the front of the MCS... but I do like the chrome on the MC...
>>
>>Rocketboy_X
I agree. I was really bummed out when I was told that the S came with body colored grille instead of a chrome one. The chrome looks so much better to me.
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 61
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From: Dayton, Oh
We personally ordered the S version BECAUSE of the lack of chrome and the presence of that little "nostril" on the hood. I have two turbo powered trucks (GMC Syclone and Typhoon) sitting in my garage and a 4 cylinder Honda Accord in the drive way. I drive my Accord most of the time but when I want to go out and really drive, I take the Typhoon out, dust it off, and kick some IROC butt. Loooks are very important to me in a car. But, so is speed and power. If I had to wait another year for an S version of the MINI, I'd do so. To me and my husband, the supercharger is a must.
Do, the only way, in my opinion, to make your decision is to decide what is important to you. Do you want the looks AND speed or do you want a car that everytime you get into it, YOU like the way you and the car look together? I am telling you, there is never a time that I don't get into my Typhoon and I'm not proud of the way it looks or drives.
Barb
Do, the only way, in my opinion, to make your decision is to decide what is important to you. Do you want the looks AND speed or do you want a car that everytime you get into it, YOU like the way you and the car look together? I am telling you, there is never a time that I don't get into my Typhoon and I'm not proud of the way it looks or drives.
Barb