that's what I try to say. once you drive a car with TC or SC, all small aspirated engines feels like you don't have power until you reach 4000rpm compared to TC/SC engines. that's a fact.

 

I think another is the non "spirited" drivers get mad when the "spirited" drivers knock the "justacooper" and the man trans verses the auto trans.

 

We had two manual MCSs before getting the missus's '08 MCSa. Disconnected from the experience? Maybe... but when you do at least half of your driving in DC gridlock, the ball of your left foot thanks you for disconnecting it from said experience. My wife had never owned an automatic after 22 years of driving, and loves her MCSa like no car she's ever owned (previous MCS included), and enjoys driving it much more than her '04.

 

i do hear that from a few people, I sit in rush hour traffic daily with my S man trans, and still wouldnt trade it because i know when theres no traffic, i'm enjoying gear jamming!

 

Respectfully, DC traffic is typically in the worst 3 of the nation (LA & SF bay usually edge it out slightly). I've got plenty of family in Phoenix. Your traffic even during rush-hour is merely cute by comparison.

 

 

Dont forget Manhattan! Ive driven in rush hour traffic there with a 71 Bronco (3 on the tree) for two years! I still managed to get 60K out of my clutch too! 13 miles took 45 minutes!
still no biggie

 

 

I could be one of those people. My old 1992 Mazda Protege, before modifications, was super fun, even though it went 0-60 in 12 seconds and had a top speed of 120 (although it gained 1mph ever few seconds over 80 )

After modifications, even though it was much more capable, (let's just say it put a look of surprise on many a new-car owners faces, it just wasn't as fun.

I don't know. Serene driving just isn't fun.

 

I'd rather drive a fast car at its limits, but I guess thats just me since noone else has mentioned that

 

not more fun, but yes more easy because drive at 6000rpm in a car with 118hp is not the same than do it with a 400hp.

I have had cars with 70hp aspirated motors and yes, is fun. you can go all the time between 5000-6000rpm on the city without kill someone. you can't do that with a mcs if you want to use more than 1gear.

 

I'm seeing this a lot lately - anybody got the MJ popcorn GIF instead?

 

+1 to that . First thing I'd say is "find a better way to your destination" but there doesn't sound like there's much of an alternative in DC, LA, etc.

 

Well, *my* car is a manual (not a Cooper, btw), but I take the train to work. Not an option for Missus Proto however.

 

Sure.

 

that is just scary!

 

I have both and could be happy with either.

If I had to choose one, I would have gone for JustACooper, until we got the R56 MCS, now I'm not sure. R56 MC vs R53 MCS, I'd go for the R56. R56 MC vs MCS is a much tougher question.

Contrary to muladesigns1, I could regret getting an R53 MCS, much too thirsty. I'm not worried about the cost issues, its my environmental conscience which gets me. I had to justify gas guzzling vs fun. With the R56, I seem to be able to drive an MCS more efficiently than an MC. That's not to say I do drive it more efficiently, I think I'll get better economy from the MC under normal circumstances.

The R56 in both versions is a great great car. With an MC you can thrash it and try to extract all the performance you can from it, and you're being too insane. Do that in an MCS and you just get totally insane very quickly, and just have to back off. With an MC you get more involved, with an MCS its all given to you. Depends on what sort of driver you are, do you want to have to work for your fun, or are you lazy.

 

you can't compare an R53 witn an R56mc. there are to differents cars.
R53 vs R56 mcs's
R50 vs R56 mc. both aspirated engines, same power and same power delivery.

then if you are talking about comfort, yes the R56 MC has more. but a audi A3 has even more. or a golf V or a lot of cheaper cars.
we don't buy minis for comfort right?

the only way to wan to go back from an R53 to an MC 07 or is because you don like power, you dont need it.. because is the same for you a noisy engine at 6000rpm than a powerfull engine pushing the same at 3000rpm.


lets just talk about 07 and 08 cars and the difference between choose the aspirated one or the turbo.

 

 

 

 

S all the way. I only prefer,like and will buy only S in future.

 

With an MC and an MCS kitted out as close as I can make them (just like Tristan and Shawn), I get a price difference of $2650. The MC doesn't get the scoop, but I don't care about that so much. What are you referring to when you say "front fascia"?

If you're referring to the grill, I'd prefer the chrome grill like Quentin had, that'd increase the price difference, if they even offered it which they don't anymore.

 

Also, you may not know is that the grille on the S is now partially open to aid in cooling, so it is atleast somewhat functional now. And it looks mean.

 

This debate is never going to end so why not just let it go? Some of you S folks need to get off your high horse. The "sprited" part of the Cooper and the S is not the HP but rather, the driving characteristics. Sure, if you want to drag race or drive your MINI on a "drive fast, turn left" track, then the S is faster. But if you believe that a Cooper cannot hang with an S for some spirited driving on the twisties, meet me at the Dragon this fall and we'll see.

The bottom line is this...buy and drive what makes YOU happy.