R55 What other models of cars are the competitors of the MINI Clubman?
2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2008
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There are plenty of reasons to prefer one or the other (Otra is probably right about the back hatch), but price does not seem to be one of them.
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 27
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From: Utica, NY
As I am awaiting the arrival my MCCS, I spend most of my time in the 1st Gear Forum. However, I see another has been comparing the MINI Clubman and the Volvo C30 as I did in an earlier posting in this thread. As to how one would compare these two ? Everyone looks at this from their own perspective and no doubt came up with reasons why these fit together in potential car buys.
The arguement that the MINI gets better gas mileage than the Volvo C30 is definitely true but that comparison narrows a bit if you talk the ClubmanS and also using premium fuel. The Volve C30 uses regular.
For me, I primarily wanted a car to replace my '98 Prelude. I did not want a car that was longer than it's length (178"). I also did not want a basic car...I wanted one that was somewhat upscale and had decent horsepower to get on the highway daily. Also, since my wife has never and will never learn how to drive a manual, the automatic/4-speed selectric shift on the Prelude was a great compromise and I wanted a similar feature for my new car. So...considering 178" or shorter, upscale, decent horsepower, auto w/sport shift....that eliminates a ton of cars. The MINI and Volvo C30 meet all those attributes. These both also have hatch/rear access that opens to the seats.
On the track...the stats would indicate the Volvo C30 is faster than the MINI ClubmanS. The Volvo is perhaps 200-400 lbs heavier but has I believe a 227hp engine versus for my consideration was the MINI w/172hp. The Volvo's main other attributes are - Very comfortable seats and known for their safety in construction. MINI, my perception, known for it's sporty interior, responsiveness and being a bit different from the pack in it's styling.
In the end, biggest difference for me was the responsiveness/handling during the test drives with each. The MINI put a smile on my face. The Volvo got me from Point A to Point B.
The arguement that the MINI gets better gas mileage than the Volvo C30 is definitely true but that comparison narrows a bit if you talk the ClubmanS and also using premium fuel. The Volve C30 uses regular.
For me, I primarily wanted a car to replace my '98 Prelude. I did not want a car that was longer than it's length (178"). I also did not want a basic car...I wanted one that was somewhat upscale and had decent horsepower to get on the highway daily. Also, since my wife has never and will never learn how to drive a manual, the automatic/4-speed selectric shift on the Prelude was a great compromise and I wanted a similar feature for my new car. So...considering 178" or shorter, upscale, decent horsepower, auto w/sport shift....that eliminates a ton of cars. The MINI and Volvo C30 meet all those attributes. These both also have hatch/rear access that opens to the seats.
On the track...the stats would indicate the Volvo C30 is faster than the MINI ClubmanS. The Volvo is perhaps 200-400 lbs heavier but has I believe a 227hp engine versus for my consideration was the MINI w/172hp. The Volvo's main other attributes are - Very comfortable seats and known for their safety in construction. MINI, my perception, known for it's sporty interior, responsiveness and being a bit different from the pack in it's styling.
In the end, biggest difference for me was the responsiveness/handling during the test drives with each. The MINI put a smile on my face. The Volvo got me from Point A to Point B.
I, too, considered most of the cars mentioned.
The Volvo impressed me with its sleek styling. And I NEVER thought I'd say that about a Volvo. Reminds me of their 1800 ES that I fell in love with back in 1972
In the end, it came down to the handling, the gas mileage, the low insurance cost, and the absurdly fanatic Mini support community. These traits are what really sold me on my car.
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