i test drive both but get a S as u never knwo when u need thta EXTRA power.. .

 

Now see...you get it!!! Folks who like Coopers really key into the handling aspects...along with good shifting technique...to have a total blast w/ the car!! Performance is not being compromised one bit, nor is it about cost...it is about the right balance.

I know folks who really need the xtra power because of their driving environs...or they are used to cars that are big on power. That's fine. But there is another viable approach. My only concern is that some folks go nuts on power during a test drive (make no mistake, the MCS is impressive) without understanding the great subtleties of motoring in a Cooper (while getting the best mpg #s you can get on a U.S. MINI). It really doesn't matter to me what folks choose...I just recommend folks think about it before they leap.

 

Yeah, I agree. I went with the MC for similar reasons. And I know it’s not logical, but I kinda thought getting a turbo in a MINI was sort of cheating. The idea behind the car was small, light and agile...and therefore big horses not required. I realize any classic Mini owner would probably point out that all the BMW MINIs have strayed from these principles, but it’s still evident in the MC IMHO.

Either flavor is a great car; just get one.

Rob

 

Get both:



The Cooper is now my track / autocross car, and the MCS is my daily driver.

 

All of the comments in this thread are dead on. Another thing to remember is that you can choose to put 87 octane in your MC but will need premium in your MCs.

Some people on this board complain that 87 will hurt your engine but my father has an '06 MC and has only used 87 in it without experiencing any issues. In fact the SA told him to use 87 to avoid the cold-start issues many are facing.

 

That's what I was going to say.

I tend to drive the MC most of the time because I have the longer commute, and its probably less hazardous to my licence. When the wife had the longer commute, she'd drive the MC and I'd drive the MCS.

The MC is a great car, particularly if you get the sport suspension, it has the right amount of horsepower, so the chassis is not overwhelmed. The MCS is great fun, because it has so much power, but it feels like its overpowering the chassis at times. I've said its unwise to give me that much power, just too tempting to go too fast.

I was thinking of getting an MC for number 4, so we'd end up with a pair, its the most practical idea. But I just didn't like the idea of having an S around just for fun.

In terms of practicality an MC is probably the best idea. In terms of fun, they're both great fun, just different fun. I've never noticed any difference in build quality between the 2. As mentioned, some of the exterior trim is different, but you can make an S look more like a Cooper by getting the exterior chrome package. That's what we did with Quentin, I like the way the MC looks.