Excuse me for maybe sounding ignorant, but how does the non-supercharged Mini compare to a '02 Jetta 2.0? Or can somebody direct me to a link?

 

bump

 

I don't have a link but can give you a general idea... as I have been a VW junkie for years....

Jetta 2.0 vs Cooper... Hmmmmm both rated at 115 hp... most Coopers seem to have a bit more and weigh a tad less than the jetta (I think but did not verify) so the cooper is a bit quicker than the Jetta.... now a Jetta handles ok but the MINI Cooper with either suspension package will run rings arround the Jetta... I assume you are talking about 5 speed versions but automatic wise the MINI's CVT is far superior to the VW autobox...

Space wise the Jetta will have more rear seat room and being a 4 door better for 4 adults... but the MINI is surprisingly roomy and up front is better than the Jetta. Trunk space is the realm of the Jetta atleast untill you fold the rear seats of the MINI down!!

Looks are subjective but I find the MINI to win that one hands down...

My MIMI is due in may and I can't wait!! on my test drives I found the MINI to have the same "this is a drivers car" feeling I get from VW's... but even better.

While I have always loved my VWs it is now time to move on and up to MINI!!!!!

 

I own a VR6 Jetta and a Cooper S.

The Jetta and the MINI are similar as far as interior room, but the MINI front seats can be moved back further. Also there is slightly more rear seat legroom in the Jetta.

With the seats folded up, the Jetta has the more usable storage space. That said, for two people, with the seats folded down, the MINI will handle more gear than the Jetta. The real advantage of the MINI here is that it's a hatch and can cope with larger (taller) items.

Drivingwise, the Jetta is a wallowing pig (even modified suspension) compared to the Cooper with the base sport suspension.

Everyone and their sister has a Jetta, but the MINI still has limited production on it's size if you care about a little bit of exclusivity.

VW's dealer network and service have suffered a lot in the last few years. MINI seem (seems) to have a better handle on this.

 

"wallowing pig".... tee hee
What a fabulous description

Apologizing for topic divergence,
~Kelley

 

I used to have a 1.8T Jetta, and I now have a MC.

Space: Neither has a practical rear-seat for adults over long distances, period. The front of the MINI feels a bit bigger to me (I'm 6'2&quot than my Jetta did. The hatch on the MINI is *very* convenient, though I suppose if that's what floats-your-boat, you'd be in the market for a Golf (which are at firesale prices right now, it seems...)

Handling: Cooper, hands down. My Jetta had 205/50R16s on 16" BBS wheels (it was a Wolfsburg edition, for you 'Dub heads out there...), but I have to echo the other guys: The MINI would run rings around the Jetta--steering feel, transition responses, steady-state cornering. No contest.

Power: Having driven a 2.0 Jetta and my MINI, I'd say they're roughly equal. Possibly, with an advantage going to the MINI. Difference being, the NA 1.6L is "just enough" power for the MINI, while the 2.0 makes the Jetta underpowered.

The one nod I'll have to give the Jetta is that b/c of it's softer suspension and more soundproofing, it's a much better high-speed, long distance car. Did several 1000+ mile trips in my Jetta on the interstate. My MINI likes the 2-lanes too much for that, generally, but I don't begrudge her for that.

Whatever you decide ( "...One of us, one of us...&quot, best of luck!

 

Right now, I'm pretty convinced that I want a Mini. Are there any common problems that people face with their Minis (i.e. oil consumption like 2.0 Jettas)?

 

hmm....mini2.com has tons on problems, etc.

Here's a rundown on what I've heard about

There are more issues w/the MCS (leaky coolant reservoir, IIRC).

As to my own experience, I've only had a small problem w/water in the boot, and I plan to get that fixed at my 10k mile service.

On the whole, the cars aren't old enough to have a very long service history. You'll not hear stuff like "My water pump blew at 75k miles", etc., b/c people just haven't had their MINIs that long.

From my own personal experience, the car hasn't used any oil, which is more than I can say for my old 'Dub. :smile:

Cheers!

 

Rattles don't bother me at all, after all I drive an MKIV Dub. What's this about "leaky coolant resevoir"?

 

>>"wallowing pig".... tee hee
>>What a fabulous description
>>
>>Apologizing for topic divergence,
>>~Kelley

My favorite is still jstines's immortal description of the stock Cooper S exhaust versus the Magnaflow and Quicksilver in a comparo video:

"There the stock exhaust was, blatting away with water dripping out the pipes. It reminded me of a heifer calf in the stock yard on a cold night, snot pouring out of its nose, while bellowing and mooing over the unwelcomed mounting from the gregarious bull."

Possibly my favorite thing I've ever read here!

 

<<There the stock exhaust was, blatting away with water dripping out the pipes. It reminded me of a heifer calf in the stock yard on a cold night, snot pouring out of its nose, while bellowing and mooing over the unwelcomed mounting from the gregarious bull." >>

That's so beautiful.... brought tears to my eyes!

Ever divergent,
~kelley

 

Spy photo of the '04 Jetta....