I am more than happy with my choice. I drove both before making my decision and could not be happier with my MC. The MCS would have been nice but was more speed than I needed or wanted. My MC has all the pep and speed, performance, mpg's and all around suits our needs and wants to a T. In the future if/when we get another one I will definately take the time to explore the S again and see what happens.

 

Not to mention that the MCS will get you into more trouble. Not good if you are trying to avoid encounters with the law

 

I beleive the gear ratios are different making the Cooper feel like it performs better at lower RPMs. On the other hand nothing can touch the S at higher RPMs.

Also (from memory) the compression ratio of the S is 7:1 and for the Cooper it is 10:1. I know the super charger compensates for the low compression ratio but not so much at lower RPM's whichi is why the Cooper feels better off the line.

 

I could have afforded either car and I chose the Cooper for following reasons: 1) I prefer the Cooper styling (no scoop, etc.); 2) I believe it is a better "daily driver" for my purposes (better ride, all around a bit "smoother"); 3) My favorite thing about the mini is handling, & I ordered my car to be very light weight, and the Cooper handles every bit as well as the MCS if not better with good wheels/tires; 4) great fuel economy, I avg. 30 mpg;

 

I bought an 06 MCS JCW because I like driving fast. My dad drove my car once and was hooked, but he ordered a MC because he was interested in the handling and styling more than speed. After driving his MC, I was suprised how peppy it was considering it's down almost 100hp from my car. It was still very fun to drive and as some have stated, the engine has a much different character and sound. In fact, I actually prefer the styling on the MC!

 

The commpression ration still favors the MC, even taking the supercharger into consideration.
Obviously, the MCS is a faster car. But really, if you're looking for a fast car, why buy a MINI to begin with? The Neon (as discussed MANY times) is a faster car that the MCS, so why not buy one of those? Even the Civic Si can out perform the S. So really, it isn't a speed issue for most of us.

 

Not sure what you mean by that. The SRT-4 and the Civic Si are faster...but they don't have the same feel as the MCS and prob dont attract the same type of buyer.

So you're right that speed isnt MINI owners' top priority...but that doesnt mean it's not still high on the list.

Besides, the agressive appearance of the S alone was worth the price difference to me...we dont even need to get into speed..

Anyway, to the original poster...like every has said, test both...you'll know which one is right.

 

Sounds like it is pretty high on the list if you look back at a lot of these posts. Seriously, most people wouldn't mind a little extra speed. But there are those of us who do not reguire it. There are also those of us who think that the hood scoop is...less than pure.
That extra money, in my opinion, is better spent on handling mods and driving school. Learn how to work the gearbox in the Cooper and you'll get a lot of power out of it. Remember, the Cooper is NOT a slow car, it's just not as fast as the Cooper S. Everything else is equal. Pick the car that fits your personality.

 

I was not absolutely sure of which car to buy for a long time. After I drove both, I was able to make up my mind. I will say that the hood scoop was a major turn-off for me. I also definitely wanted the chrome grill that I would have had to have paid extra for on the S. Then there's the gas mileage. And I prefer the 5-spoke wheels on the Cooper Sport Package to any other wheel they offered, Cooper or S. It's just priorities, is all. But a test drive is essential. When it was all said and done, that was what clinched my decision.

 

Lots of hatin' on the hood scoop...I LOVE the hood scoop...

Am I alone, or is anyone else with me? lol.

 

I don't hate it. The scoop just looks out of place on a MINI; my opinion. It serves a purpose though, and I don't fault it for that. I do, however, hate the scoop being on the '07 S.

 

I have an '06 MCS, and drove a '06 MC Cabrio as a loaner a few weeks ago. I found the shifting to be less harsh on the MC, but I also felt that the MC was kind of hollow - lots of RPMs with noticibly less kick. While the stlying on the MC is slightly better without the scoop and with the additional chrome, I wouldn't trade my MCS. In fact, I'm still thinking of going for the chrome scoop!

 

I have both a Mini Cooper AND a Mini Cooper S. I bought the Cooper first and loved it, especially when I found that the color and interior color had been discontinued. I drive it now to carshows and it always gets great comments. It's a fantastic car on mileage and corners like nothing else.

My S was bought for more go-power and to take the place of the Cooper as a daily driver. Funny thing though, IT'S color has been discontinued for next year, as well. Darn...does this mean I get to show it, too? Perhaps, but, I'd MUCH rather take it to the Dragon next Spring and continue tracking it at the HPDEs.

 

We drove both and decided on the S. It just felt right to us.

We have an 06 MCS and and had an 03 MCS that was totalled in an accident. I walked away with some bumps and bruises but felt totally protected by the car's safety systems!

The MINI is just a blast to drive. I leave my house every day with a smile on my face!!

Good luck with your search for the MINI that's right for you