MINI Convertible vs. Beetle Convertible vs. Mustang Convertible
 

First of all, don't get too scared, I'm still fairly sure that when I order my new car at the end of this month, it WILL be the MINI convertible. However, these other cars have caught my attention lately.

The 2005 Mustang is a given. It's just cool. I've liked them since Ford released them earlier this year. The major drawback is the RWD. It's a joke in the snow, and since I live in New England, it's not the best idea. Also, this will be a commuter car for the most part. Mustangs aren't the best commuter cars.

The Beetle convertible was never on my list of cars to buy until yesterday. Someone traded in one at my work, and I took it for a spin just for kicks. It wasn't a convertible, just a hatchback with 72k miles on it. Well, to my disbelieve, it was actually a very fun little car. The dorky image the car has is a major turnoff, although I think a nicely optioned beetle convertible in the right color looks pretty good.

So, as of right now, I'm still ordering my cool blue MINI Convertible, but I now have two other cars to test drive before I make a final decision. I've never driven a MINI convertible, and hopefully when I do, it will just re-inforce my decision to buy one.

If anyone has had any experience with either of these other cars, feel free to share. Like I said, I'm fairly confident in my decision to buy a MINI, but now that it's getting down to the wire, I want to be 100% sure. Especially since my parents told me I have to keep this next car through college (4.5 years). Considering that I got sick of my current car after two years, 4+ is a long time.

I must be the most indecisive person on this forum.:cool:

They didnt have a regular MC 5spd at the lot when I went in for my test drive so we took the convertible out instead (too bad it was raining so i couldnt have the top down... or maybe its a good thing!) It was pretty fun, much like a regular mini.

You haven't driven a MINI yet? When you do, you'll have your answer...:thumbsup: It is a completely different experience than the other two.

I keep hearing that Beetles like to spend quality time at the dealership rather than with you. Thats from friends with friends that do/did have new Beetles. Ofcorse you don't hear the good things 3rd hand. Let me give you my unbiased opinion:roll: BUY the Mini!:grin:

I have test driven the MINI, just not the convertible.

However, the dealership I'm going through is VERY busy, and the first two times I went down, for some reason or another, I wasn't able to test drive a MINI. Once was due to snow, another was because I didn't have an appointment and they were way too busy to help me. So, I made an appointment and went down for a third time (this was maybe a month ago). my mom drove me down as she wanted to see what I was buying as well. So long story short, I used to keep my license in my glove box. Well, since my mom drove down, I didn't have my car, and it didn't dawn on me until we got there that I didn't have my license on me. So what ended up happening is the salesman drove, while I sat in the passenger seat. So basically, I HAVE test driven the MINI, but I personally wasn't behind the wheel. I still feel like I got a good feel for the car, but I haven't experienced the sensation of actually being behind the wheel of a MINI just yet. The dealership is over an hour away, which I know is close compared to the commutes some of you have to your dealerships, but I've been so busy lately that I haven't made it back down to take one out myself. Next Sunday is looking good, so I'll probably try to get back down there.

Where you live, get the Mini.
 

I have a 65, not an 05. The Mustang will kick butt with power, but that's about it (and this is from a die-hard Mustanger). The Mini hatch is practical, and the car is more fun that I could have belived possible. There is a chance that the first of the 05 Mustangs will hold value, but don't bet on it. It's an american car with a really cool body....

If you love HP, then the Mustang. If you love driving, get the Mini.

Matt

ps, when you drive a Mini, you'll think the new beetle is what it is: a nice compact, but not the driving experience you get from the Mini.

Yeah, VWs have horrible reliability. I have a friend (co-worker) with a brand new Jetta GLI and he's had nothing but problems with it. But, I'm a life-long VW fan, and I can look past that. The beetle has been out so long now that I would hope all the bugs are worked out.

Yeah, for the reasons you listed, I think I have maybe a 10% chance of choosing the Mustang (at best). I haven't seriously considered it, just toyed with the idea recently.

It's pretty much down to the MINI Convertible or the Beetle Convertible. I haven't driven either, so I can't say which I prefer.

Let me first say... I came from a VW and I still have it actually a New Jetta. I had a Beetle for a loaner for over a month (don't ask long story). And I have a MCSc now.

The Beetle don't really compare to the mini. The beetle has a little more room but just doesn't have the 'fun' factor. You will not regret the purchase. They are both very solidly built with lots of German engineering.

I love the driving position in the Beetle more than anything. That long, deep dash, and the windsheild that feels like it's 10 feet away are really unique. I've never driven a car quite like it, and it feels amazingly spacious.

I like the overall image of the MINI better though.

BTW: when you say I will not regret the purchase.....do you mean I won't regret purchasing either, or I won't regret the purchase of a MINI?

Mini without a doubt......
 

It's not even close. I could take the Mini to Home Depot and load it up with stuff. Or I could drive is around for fun. The Mini handles much better. Rear headroom is poor in the VW, because of the shape of the roof.

I think the only reason to get the Beetle instead of the Mini is if you love the New Beetle for it's shape and fasion statement. The Mini is abetter car all around, but the Beetle Turbo may have a few more ponies than the Mini S.

You'll love the Mini. When I got mine, I couldn't stop laughing out loud from the sheer fun of driving. It's like living in a roller skate! With a motor! And heated seats.....

Matt

This applies to the convertible beetle as well. Just in that scenario, they are both topless....

http://webpages.charter.net/aircoolednut/MINIBeetle.jpg

Check out the Internet for all the thread on the VW Convertible top problems. They even report flying off the back of the car when going down the highway in the open position - scarry! I was initially looking at the VW Vert, then got totally turned off with the "Chick Car" image, among other things (such as their frequent return to the dealership for expensive and unreliable repairs).

The MINI, on the other hand....OH MY GOSH WHAT A RUSH! Once I drove the MINI, it was all over.

If you want cutsey-wutsey and flowers, go VW New Beetle Convertible (they come in all sorts of lovely colors). You want high performance sports car, join the elite group of MINI owners who drive around with a smile on their face because they know there's not another car out there as fun as the MINI.

I can see the dilemma between the Mustang and the Mini as both are excellent Heritage (sorry, couldn't help it:lol: ) designs but the driving dynamics of the too are probably as different as you can get. The Mini will be MUCH more fun to drive and is hands-down the better handling machine. The Mustang is more practical if you truly feel you need extra room in the back but for use through college, that's probably not an issue.

Folks either love or hate the New Beetle but I've heard some pretty frightening reliability things about them.

Whichever you get - enjoy!:thumbsup:

Woah, aren't you being a bit harsh, considering it's a car you previously considered?

As for the color, if I did go with the VW (which I doubt) I'd get the cream color with black leahter and a black top. I think it's a classy combo that doesn't look really "cute" like some of the other combos. That nasty electric green comes to mind.

And maybe you could use the interior flower vase for a cigar holder, instead?

No, I'd pull that thing out of the dash completely. This I agree with you on, the flower vase thing is extremely gay.

Kyle:

I test-drove the mini convertable recently because I was considering an S, it was the only S on the lot... I think the mini's the top up/down mechanics are fast, smooth, and just plain incredibly easy, and the 1/2 open "sunroof" feature is really cool. From a functionality standpoint, I'd think the mini's convertible top would be hard to beat.

Having said that, I'm not crazy about the mini convertible's profile when the roof is up. Of course, that doesn't matter much when you're behind the steering wheel! The beetle, on the other hand, has a great profile with the top up-- sleeker and better than the beetle hardtop, IMHO.

In the end though we're talking about cars. Not family, friends (although the mini does come with this great community), pets, or even where you live. Go with your gut and enjoy the end result!

Co-worker drives/loves his newbug, a silver hardtop turbo, no problems no missed work etc etc... 6-speed manual (hmmmm, where'd it come from, same factory as made MY transmission?) I keep meaning to pester him for a ride in it...

Anyhow, here's what I DON'T think:

I don't think any of the cars on your short list are bad choices.
I don't think you really need help choosing your car.
I don't think I really had much to contribute to your original question... Like my Zen friend says, "embrace the pain, you know you're ALIVE" (yes she sucks don't flame me)

Tatt

Here are some side-by-side pictures to help you with your decision (I have chosen the red on both models to give that apples-to-apples comparison).:lol:

\

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: you cheated!

(love the wild chicory by the roadside in the MINI pic, and I was THINKIN of how a front-mounted antenna might look on a hardtop)

lol...I don't know dude, That beetle is pretty hot!

Alright, in all seriousness, I highly doubt I'll choose the beetle over the MINI. The MINIs heritage, the NAM community, and the overall "fun to drive" factor are very appealing to me.

My wife and I owned a Beetle (not the ragtop) with the 150 hp turbocharged engine and 5 speed. Between the unreliability (3 oxygen sensors replaced in 40,000 miles - 2 on my dime, brakes needing replacement before 20,000 miles, AC Condensor replacement, door inoperative, gas flap inoperative etc. etc.) and a dealer network that was the absolute WORST, I wouldn't get within 30 miles of any VW ever again. Three different area dealerships lied to us about work done, one tried to double charge us for parts and service, and they treated my wife like a moron because she is female. Little did they know that she knew her stuff and knew they were shining her on. We took a loss on that car just to get out from under it. It's the worst vehicle I've owned in 30 years of driving.

From the things I've read here and other places, the MINI dealer network appears to be much more customer oriented and not out to just make a killing on their clients. And having driven both the Beetle and MCS (just a test drive so far) let me say there is absolutely no comparison. Do yourself a favor and buy MINI.

A_Sr.

You have to drive the MINI cabrio- the experience IS different than in a hardtop MINI.

The beetle is OK. Not enough power and handling for me compared to a MCSC.
http://www.milemate.com/pictures/offcab4%5B1%5D.jpeg

The New Ford Mustang convertible is nice and much improved over last year-
From Automobile Mag review:
"The new convertible is twice as rigid in torsion as last year's version (although only half as stiff as the new coupe)." :eek2:
And it's supposed to make up 30% of the total Mustang production!
Weighing 3614 pounds you'll need the V6 or V8 (17-23 mpg).

http://www.caranddriver.com/assets/i...2005113745.jpg

Ragster anyone??
http://automobilemag.com/auto_shows/...ragster_02.jpg
http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_sh...ter/index.html

I own a 2001 New Beetle Sport 1.8T (no vase! :lol:) and I love it. As far as reliability goes, I've had the recall on the coils done and a throttle body replacement under warranty. That's it and I have 88K on the odo. I've added an APR chip and have run 14.86 @95mph in the quarter mile. Pretty good for a so-called "chick car".:roll: I do autocross and lapping sessions as well and with coilovers and a rear sway, it can hold its own on the track! It's fun being able to post better times than most other cars.

But your interest is in the convertible and quite a few people are having problems with the top mechanism. Also you lose a lot of utility because the rear seatback does not fold down. All you get is a pass-thru to the trunk. The 1.8T will help with performance but the 'vert is 200-300 lbs. heavier than the hardtop so there is a performance penalty.

I am currently waiting for my MCS but I am keeping my NB. On the test drive, the MCS felt just as quick as my chipped VW most likely due to the almost 400 lb. weight difference between the two. I can't wait to take the MCS on the track!

Knowing what I know about the issues with the NBC, I'd say stick with the MCSC. But both are fun cars in their own right.:thumbsup:

Before I decided on a Mini I looked at the VW GLI. If you are considering it, check out this site to read what owners have to say: http://forums.vwvortex.com/zeromain?id=1
Too many negative issues on reliability that turned me away from the GLI.

As for the Mustang, I liked the commercial advertising the convertibles coming soon, not in winter. :lol: My personal choice is the Mini though.

Dude. You have NOT driven a Mini. If you ever do and are still undecided, then definitely go for the Mustang.

IMHO, if the combintation of the Mini's quick steering ratio, stiff suspension, short wheelbase, and rigid body (Ok, maybe not in the convertible) don't hook you, then you have likely lost some key brain functionality to childhood trauma or drug abuse. :wink:

The Mustang is slow without getting a GT... the V6 mustangs have absolutely no power. In the power department, the Cooper feels faster just because of the zip. V8 mustang would be a decent car, but a V8 mustang convertible will be hard to get right away because of the demand, I know the ford dealer in this city has all of their GT's until the beginning of may sold already.

I think you should go back and test-drive the MINI... it is much different behind the wheel. I got a unique test drive experience, the first time I drove a MINI was up and down the Tail of the Dragon... I traded my corvette in for the MINI less than 2 months later :lol:

Hands down, the MINI is a better car... but it is completely upto you, test drive both, see what you like better.

Get a Mini and to quote that famous cliche "once you go Mini you'll never go back"

But man where did I miss the optional eyelash headlamp surrounds and hairbow antenna when I was looking at Beetles????:smile: If I'd known about those high performance goodies I just might be driving a veedub instead of my super cool gets a lot of great compliements goes fast and corners on rails MINI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Later

Well, we are biased! (I mean, we are MINI owners afterall!!!)

I LOVE my MINI convertible and it has been the talk of the town! I looked at the Beetle years ago and then looked at them again a few months ago. Well, you know which one I picked!!

The Bettle has a horrible reliability rating and it's convertible opening mechanism is a big pain in the butt! I love the fact that I can open my top with a press of a button. (Ok, it's actually two presses, but who's counting?)

I have always wanted a '67 Mustang, but that was never in the cards. The new one just doesn't do it for me -- not at all.
All that being said, I will be a MINI owner for life!!

My previous car was a Toyota Celica Convertible and that car turned a lot of heads while I was in college. (Heck, it turned heads well after college too!) I can only imagine what a MINI convertible could do for you! (You'll never be without friends or a date!!) :lol:

Yeah, I can definitely agree to that - having a MINI in college, you are never lacking attention. People go out of their way to come talk to me and ask me about it.

What?? ? You haven't actually driven a MINI yet :eek: ??? Well, no wonder you're having second thoughts! Whatever you do, don't decide against a MINI until you've had a chance to drive one! And if you do, DON'T drive a MINI after you've ordered another car... you'll forever kick yourself!

I wasn't even considering a MINI when I test-drove one. I was considering a used BMW at the same dealership and decided to test-drive the MINI on a lark. That's my excuse for needing a second test drive :wink: . The rest is history.

BTW it took me well over an hour to decide on a color, and that was despite the fact that the dealer had just recieved a huge shipment of new MINI's and I was able to check out virtually every combination in person, for as long as I wanted to. That was an hour plus on my own... after my MA had given up on me.... Fortunately there were a lot fewer options to consider back then too.

Mini-- The Ultimate Driving Machine!

I had this same debate.

(BTW my MINI convertible is due to arrive on the 15th :wink: )

Anyway, the reasons I picked the MINI over the Beetle and Mustang:

1. The cool sunroof trick that only the Mini can do.
2. The gas mileage! (comparing the Mustang vs Mini)
3. The feel that the Mini had that the others didn't.
4. (this will sound corny, but it made me go "hummm") Accessibilty of the Mini engine vs the Beetle. A friend who had owned the Beetle told me how he couldn't change out his own headlight bulbs. You have to access it from underneath the car. Well, if that's difficult to do, I started imagining all sorts of other things that could be difficult too!
5. Extra cost on the beetle to get the automatic top.

in the end, it all comes down to what YOU like!

good luck!
-S

:lol: The headlight bulb replacement isn't that difficult. Pop the hood, push up a lever and pull the headlight assembly out of the fender. But sometimes dirt and crud accumulates in the mechanism and lots of pulling and cursing can result before the light comes free.

I've done a timing belt and clutch replacement on my NB and although space is tight, it's not impossible. Other maintenance issues are pretty straightforward. Air filter, spark plugs, and oil filter are easily accessible.

To give you an idea of owner's experiences with the NBC, here's a link to a forum on Newbeetle.org. http://forums.newbeetle.org/forumdis...?s=&forumid=73

Mustangs and MINIs are both "M" Cars
 

My first car was a '66 Mustang 289 4-Speed. Oh how I loved that car!

In the interim, I drove several Mustang convertibles over the years though I'm not really a convertible guy. The deal with the Mustang is V-8 power and sound. In '67-'70 I kept running the horsepower up on my 'Stang and (like an idiot) kept trying to get it to corner like a MINI.

A MINI MCS is everything I could wish for...great sound (yes, it's not the same as a V-8, but that supercharger whine is sweet), a superb gearbox, and the most amazing ability to change directions (i.e. go around corners when you want it to) in ways a Mustang will never do. Finally, the combination of MINI factors adds up to just a lot of fun.

In '72 I did Tucson to Guatemala on a Honda 350, in '73 Panama to LA on a Honda 750, and this yea,r LA to Guatemala in a MCS. This car is a great car that was made for twisty turns, but unless you're looking for a land yacht, it is also a great long-range cruiser.

The '05 Mustang is a great looking car. If I had Jay Leno's garage, I'd certainly have one, but there's no way I'd trade my MINI for it.

Saludos

I'm actually lucky enough that I don't have to make a choice... I own both a Mustang and a MINI... but neither one of them are convertibles.

My Mustang is a 1995 GT Coupe, that I have done all kinds of mods to - wheels, tires, brakes, transmission, exhaust, and every last suspension mod I could find. The only part I haven't touched yet is the engine, which is still the same 5.0L HO Ford that came with the car. The engine is the LAST mod I'm planning to make, after which the car will be simply undrivable except on clear, sunny days with 100% dry roads (think 500 RWHP).

I love my Mustang, don't get me wrong. And with all of the many suspension mods I've done to it, it handles VERY well - for a Mustang. I've been told by several Mustang fans that it's the "tightest" Mustang they've ever driven, which is quite a compliment.

That being said, I am not foolish enough to think that my Mustang is simply "the bomb" in the handling department. My new MINI very easily outhandles the Mustang, it's simply no contest... as long as the road stays curvy!

So the MINI is now my daily driver, as the Mustang gets jealous. I think that once the "new car" feeling wears off, I'll drive the Mustang a little more, on weekends, etc (winter excluded!).

Not a bad set of choices though - If I want to go really fast (especially in a straight line), with gobs of torque... I can drive the Mustang. If I want oodles of fun carving up a curvy road, I will drive the MINI.

That's the basic choice, KRGMini05. Just how important is raw power to you? Do you like the "tough, snarling, muscle car" image? Is that you? Or, do you want a fun as hell, nimble, shifty car that will also get you through all 4 seasons without breaking a sweat?

Based upon your location up in NH (esp. in winter), I think it's a clear choice, unless you can have more than one car... get the MINI, you won't regret it.

P.S. Used Mustang GT Convertibles can probably be found for very good prices, if you want both. :)
P.P.S. I didn't mention the Beetle, because let's face it - there's not a damn thing it can do (sports wise) that a MINI can't... and it is so much more of a "chick car" than the MINI, that for every "cute car" comment you'll get with the MINI, you'll get 10 more with the Beetle. Are you a straight guy? Do you care what other people think at ALL? Yeah I thought so. MINI > Beetle. :)

Well, yes and no.....

Yeah I care what other people think, and yeah I'm straight. BUT, I would most likely be able to get a 1.8T turbo beetle convertible for the same price as a regular non-S Cooper Convertible...and that's tempting. The local VW dealership has a black/black Beetle convertible 1.8T (150 hp) with 17" alloys and a turbo badge on the back...it looks HOT, not really cutesy like some beetles do. If I had that car, I wouldn't be as concerned about the car's image. It's a bit different than your average bright green or yellow 115 hp 2.0 Beetle (chick car) IMO.

I think I'd be happy with either car, but only a back to back test drive of both will be the deciding factor.

P.S. I ruled the Mustang out for many reasons, including the ones you mentioned.

Thanks to everyone for your advice.

Kyle,

Some things are simply worth the additional expense. In this case, I think that's true. Test drive both (for more than just 5 minutes), and I suspect you'll probably agree. :)