I have a 2007 JCW convertible, but have been eyeing a Clubman S model. Is the driving experience the same? Does the Clubman, with the extra length, zip around similar to mine?

 

Yes very similar, my first mini was a 07 S and bought a 09 jcw clubman. Drives the same some people say with a sway-bar the clubman will handle better because of a longer wheel base but my butt dyno says that the cars are the same. The extra space is worth it if you are looking for space the clubman is it. you can fit 4 wheels and still have room in the back.

 

I'll second this. I went from a 09 MCS to a '11 Clubman S. VERY similar drive and way more space. I took the clubman to track days and she kept up with the sport cards in the twists.

 

This is a review of a 2008 MCS and 2008 Clubman S so actual times are slower than the N18 motor of 2011 and forward:
CAR AND DRIVER 2008 model
This extra length and changed profile do add to the usefulness of the Mini and don't really affect the driving experience. In fact, the car is still fun to toss around, has plenty of pep from the 172-bhp turbo-charged four and as a bonus, the ride is less choppy than that of the standard model. The extra size does affect performance somewhat — it's nearly a half second slower to 60 mph (though at 6.8 seconds, it's no slouch) and takes 0.3 sec. longer to cover the quarter mile in 15.3 ticks with a terminal velocity of 92.1 mph. Braking is unaffected, however, as we posted a 2-ft.-shorter stop from 60 mph and 1 ft. less from 80 mph (respective distances of 120 and 213 ft.). While the Clubman pulled 0.89g on the skidpad compared with the standard model's 0.85, the regular Cooper S is still quicker through the slalom at 67.9 mph than the Clubman's 67.2 mph.


This is another review:
Motoringfile
Driving the Clubman is like driving a MINI Coupe with 160 lbs person next to you. Add in a dash of extra stability and you’re almost there. On the highway the Clubman has a better propensity to soak up road irregularities than the coupe. It’s also more stable and deliberate in it’s motion. All great attributes and surely welcome by more than a few would be Clubman owners. However it is those very characteristics that handicap the Clubman when it comes to matching the go-kart like feel of the coupe.

 

I've test driven a 2010 MCS and a 2012 coupe jcw and I feel just as much of the go cart feel and fun with my 09 jcw clubman. All the room I need and great mpg just like the othere. I've also driven a 2015 MCS and 2015 Mini cooper and I feel you connect to the road much more than the newer gen cars.

 

I drove a 2012 Clubman Justa stick, then right after a 2011 hardtop Justa stick. Then drove the Clubman again. I could tell a difference in the "twitchynes"/"go cartiness", and initiation of braking on a down hill. It was not a great difference, but it was there.

But, for me it is a no brainer to get the Clubby:
Much more room
Flat floor cargo area
Under floor storage
Spare tire
Usable/accessible rear seat. I ride in it at times and I am big.
Love the barn doors, especially the remote open of the right door

The ride difference is small compared to was I got in return.

Hope you find a MINI you love!

 

Came from a 09 R56 S 6spd into a 12 R55 S 6spd. The R55 is more stable on the road but other then that it drives the same.

 

My clubbie spanks my wifes convert but I have a manic tune plus alot more and hers has just a JB plus. Only thing I notice , or should say dont notice is the NOISE her convert has, too loud for me .

 

Sorry wrong forum.

 

well this is the r55 forum .