R56 Cooper or Cooper S
Not a problem I know how things can get a little heated and then you've pressed enter key and posted. Good news is you can edit your post pretty quickly if you've ever gotten in a heated frame of mind and would like to retract something you might have posted too hastily.
Anyway back to the conversation - I think in this day and age either the Cooper or the Cooper S are good choices. I myself live in DC and already have a MCS JCW (Stage 1). I do like having an abundance of torque because well I do drive a bit uhm spiritedly.
That said, I've placed an order for a JCW Stage 2 - so if anyone is looking for a nice clean MCS with approximately 9,000 miles on it let me know. I might even include the forged alloys and suspension work.
Anyway back to the conversation - I think in this day and age either the Cooper or the Cooper S are good choices. I myself live in DC and already have a MCS JCW (Stage 1). I do like having an abundance of torque because well I do drive a bit uhm spiritedly.
That said, I've placed an order for a JCW Stage 2 - so if anyone is looking for a nice clean MCS with approximately 9,000 miles on it let me know. I might even include the forged alloys and suspension work.
5th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 640
Likes: 0
From: Nashua, NH
Oh don't worry nobody acts like this in the flesh. All the MINI owners I have met have been very nice. Nobody really cares what you drive they take an interest in all MINIs.
- MCS isn't worth it because the platform is more "balanced" with the standard engine (this deserved a
) - S is slower than other "fast cars" and therefore isn't worth it (apparently I can't buy a Cooper with a Turbo and enjoy superior Cooper handling with a more powerful engine
) - S doesn't have a spare (lame, get a tire kit problem solved)
- etc. etc.
I'm not usually fired up, I'm REAL relaxed 99% of the time. Judging by my post history I'm a real kitten. But the utter BS I'm hearing on this thread tearing up the MCS as a platform is ridiculous, IMHO.
Oh well, I will reiterate - to each his own. And BTW it's a shame a stupid forum thread is turning you off on a MINI. If that's the case then, well quite honestly, buy what's best for you, don't listen to some faceless people on teh Interwebs!
2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
The MC has 118 hp, the MCS has 172. And for the price of a MCS, there are quite a few cars that would do 0-60 in the 5.0-5.5 second range. Just to name a few: Subaru WRX, Mazdaspeed 3, Chevy Cobolt SS, Ford Mustang GT, Nissan Altima Coupe.
The reason to get a Mini is not for speed. The fun to be had in driving a Mini is in the nimble handling and sharp reflexes. And of course, it is one of the only small luxury cars on the market.
BTW, there is also one major factor that will determine how fast your MC or MCS is by the way you option it. While those larger 16" (for a MC) or 17" (for a MCS) wheels look very pretty, they also are heavier, have heavier wider tires, and dramatically increase the unsprung weight you have at each corner. Each pound of unsprung weight added to your car has a much larger affect than each pound of normal curb weight. Some say it is as much as a 10-to-1 ratio, meaning if have 1 lb heavier wheels at each corner, the affect is the same as carrying a 40 lb weight inside your car. So if you are getting a MC, the best performance will be had with the stock 15" wheels, and for the MCS, stick with the 16" wheels. Of course, there are some aftermarket wheels that are very light. But keep in mind that tires usually weigh more than wheels, so wider tires will generally be heavier no matter what kind of wheels you have. You would be surprised how much of an effect this has on acceleration, especially on a small, light car.
The reason to get a Mini is not for speed. The fun to be had in driving a Mini is in the nimble handling and sharp reflexes. And of course, it is one of the only small luxury cars on the market.
BTW, there is also one major factor that will determine how fast your MC or MCS is by the way you option it. While those larger 16" (for a MC) or 17" (for a MCS) wheels look very pretty, they also are heavier, have heavier wider tires, and dramatically increase the unsprung weight you have at each corner. Each pound of unsprung weight added to your car has a much larger affect than each pound of normal curb weight. Some say it is as much as a 10-to-1 ratio, meaning if have 1 lb heavier wheels at each corner, the affect is the same as carrying a 40 lb weight inside your car. So if you are getting a MC, the best performance will be had with the stock 15" wheels, and for the MCS, stick with the 16" wheels. Of course, there are some aftermarket wheels that are very light. But keep in mind that tires usually weigh more than wheels, so wider tires will generally be heavier no matter what kind of wheels you have. You would be surprised how much of an effect this has on acceleration, especially on a small, light car.
everyone know that all turbo-engines are under-rated. so yes, the R56 gives like 180-190hp and, which is more importan, a lot of torque compared to a non-turbo engine.
I don't understand why the non-s- cooper always try to justify why they didnt' buy a S.
more power is always better if its balanced with the brakes and all that. more power at lows rpms is even better (turbo or supercharger)
so what if the mc would a turbo engine with 120hp? thats not better? yes, that would be better. more power, more low end power is better always!! better for street (even stop and go) and better for highway
I have an r53, so I need to justify why I don't have an R56? ok.. emmm the R56 has too much power and I like cars with the power of the R53, not more, and not less.
now for real.. the only reason to not buy a S is the money, if you can affort the MPG and the initial cost the S is better. more power=more easy to drive
if you want to drive hard, you can do it with a S too.
so yes.. I don't have an R56 because I don't have the money to buy it right now, and I don't need to justify why I have a car with less power. Is just what I have and thats all.
Last edited by luchini; Jun 30, 2008 at 07:16 PM.
Have had both, if you even have a slight lead foot or need for a powerful, fast accelerating car, an S is a must. If speed is not your thing, splurge on extras for the base cooper and you will still be very happy.
5th Gear
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 734
Likes: 0
Goodness! Flames! Beans? Nope.
Come on, it isn't "money" for everybody. I've seen some LOADED Justacoopers. But look, most of America doesn't speed through corners, haul *** up the on-ramps, or even need power at all.
I've seen some wealthy folks with Justacooper. I've seen some less-fortunate folks with MCS. It is based on the way you drive.
Most drivers, at least where I live, accelerate slower than an armadillo walks across the street, merge on the interstate doing fifty, brake a quarter mile from their next turn, and actually follow the speed posted by the "Danger! Curve ahead! 20mph!" signs. These people do not need a MINI Cooper S.
I drive like a crazy man. I want a Cooper S, but I could live with the Cooper. I am coming from a poverty stricken life, and my car before my up-and-coming 2008 MCS was a 1992 Mazda Protege DX (the slower engine... the "fast" engine cranked 122hp). I know slow. That car hits sixty in fourteen seconds, but it corners like a mad demon. I'm guessing it was modified, but it was super fun, much more so than my wife's significantly more powerful Mercedes Benz.
Nobody should be arguing or justifying their purchases. It is what you want, so who cares? I am getting a lot of crap from the guys at my new job for purchasing a MINI, but you know what? I don't care. I know I will love my MINI as much as they love their hitched-up trucks and Rousch Mustangs.
As long as you love to drive, or motor as far as MINIs go, you're A-OK in my book.
Come on, it isn't "money" for everybody. I've seen some LOADED Justacoopers. But look, most of America doesn't speed through corners, haul *** up the on-ramps, or even need power at all.
I've seen some wealthy folks with Justacooper. I've seen some less-fortunate folks with MCS. It is based on the way you drive.
Most drivers, at least where I live, accelerate slower than an armadillo walks across the street, merge on the interstate doing fifty, brake a quarter mile from their next turn, and actually follow the speed posted by the "Danger! Curve ahead! 20mph!" signs. These people do not need a MINI Cooper S.
I drive like a crazy man. I want a Cooper S, but I could live with the Cooper. I am coming from a poverty stricken life, and my car before my up-and-coming 2008 MCS was a 1992 Mazda Protege DX (the slower engine... the "fast" engine cranked 122hp). I know slow. That car hits sixty in fourteen seconds, but it corners like a mad demon. I'm guessing it was modified, but it was super fun, much more so than my wife's significantly more powerful Mercedes Benz.
Nobody should be arguing or justifying their purchases. It is what you want, so who cares? I am getting a lot of crap from the guys at my new job for purchasing a MINI, but you know what? I don't care. I know I will love my MINI as much as they love their hitched-up trucks and Rousch Mustangs.
As long as you love to drive, or motor as far as MINIs go, you're A-OK in my book.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ECSTuning
Vendor Announcements
0
Aug 12, 2015 01:24 PM
PelicanParts.com
Vendor Announcements
0
Aug 4, 2015 02:45 PM