No one else mentioned it, and because you asked about interstate-ability, the Cooper S auto turns about 500rpms less on the highway than the stick. It may not seem like a lot but its noticeable. The automatics "feel" a lot more relaxed on the highway (3200rpm v. 3700rpm). I have had two MCSs an 03 and now an 06. both stick.I have put 2k miles or so on loaner Cooper S autos while mine have been fixed. The auto is definitely different but still fun once you get used to it and enjoy it after time whereas the stick is instant gratification.

I would call the standard leatherette seats supportive but not necessarily "plush". It doesn't feel too comfortable while sitting in them but I have driven ~8 hours at a time with no discomfort after getting out of the car. Every step up in seat is more comfortable it goes Leatherette/Cloth < Cloth/Leather < Leather < English Leather. But by no means are the standard seats unsupportive or hurtful. Good luck with your decisison!

 

Great point, I forget about that - it is a big difference and I actually thought it was more then 500 rpms since it feels much free-er cruising in the auto at highway speeds (I actually forget to even go into 6th gear since 5th already feels like fairly low rpms and I guess I like having the engine sounds ).

Oh, and I'm sure you are aware, but since the cvt from the Cooper came up in this thread the auto transmission in the S is a different beast altogether, I wouldn't really compare the two.

 

You're probably referring to my post. I should have been more clear - I wasn't trying to compare the CVT to the auto in the S, but more pointing out that *all* MINIs, stick & automatic, Cooper and the S, are a pile of fun to motor in!

Congrats soundstruck on the near-future purchase!


-Paul!

 

should depend on your driving comfort. Both are enjoyable.

I have found that the automatic is the more relaxing. We have a Cooper/CVT and the sport mode is fun. Of course, you can use it as a stick if you want.

We only had one 1400 mile trip in the Mini. Comfort was nice and the two of us had enough room. The only lacking area in them is the lack of decent cup holders and the lack of misc storage in the front. Of course our other car has shelves and cubbies every where and that tends to spoil you.

Note: We also went with the Cooper vs the "S", for the more comfortable driving (to us).

Good luck in your choice and keep us informed.

 

first time i drove an MCS was an '06, and was a bit shocked...er overjoyed...by your so-called "ludicrous" acceleration. and i used to drive a 3rd gen RX-7 =P then i drove an '04, and it felt smoother/slower. i attributed it to both the shorter gearing of the '05/'06 MCS and the light effort clutch of newer cars, which at first had to be "felt out" but was quick to get used to

for a car like this i'd have to get a stick, but have no qualms w/ the auto ones as it suits one's preference. but driving a stick really feels like driving a car, whereas driving an auto or paddle shift feels more like playing gran turismo =P

 

This reminded me of something else. The clutch pedal travel is a lot shorter and firmer than say, any new BMW even an M5. I drove back to back (in my driveway) a new 328xi and my Cooper S and the difference in clutch travel and feel was enormous. I like the Cooper S a lot more, of course.

Also, if you have ever driven a classic Mini, the clutch travel is half of what the new MINIs have. It is like an on/switch, VERY fun.