I'm not an R32 fanboy or anything, my wife wanted it instead of the MINI when I was shopping for a new car, so I took the MINI. I guess the difference in speed is comparable than the difference between a JCW and an 'S', it's noticeable to me.

I was trying to point out my difference of opinion to you saying they feel the same. How long did you have your R btw? They get much quicker along the break-in cycle; a common VR6 attribute is the insanely long (7-12k miles usually) break-in.

I totally agree that 0-60 times don't really matter, i enjoy my MINI much more than the R, despite it feeling like a slug in comparison acceleration wise. The R is so damn heavy it feels like driving a bowl of soup at high speeds around corners. I likely won't want to buy another VAG product, but the wife is a fan, so we'll see

 

HOORAH! HOORAH! HOORAH! Three cheers for that Hillman.

I briefly considered the GTI myself. But chose the MINI because in this day and age, with more and more cars on the road it's harder and harder to find places to have a little fun... and the MINI makes just going around the block fun. (well, you get the point)

 

I totalled my MKV GTI April 16 2008 and had the R32 April 19th. With 22,000 miles that include the Dragon's 11 miles of smiles - Things fell into place around 10,000 miles. What amazes me is the gas mileage was 16 - 18 during break-in and now the average is 25 - 26 MPG with extended hwy miles ticking off at 28 MPG! The R32 is built for high speed cruising and rides like it is on rails. the DSG in manual is a joy holding till 7,2000 rpm before firing of a milisecond upshift. It is an awsome car but I question paying $36,000 for what is a fancy/fast Golf. I drive what may be considered the last VR6 Golf but lust for a MINI. Go figure?

 

gti --mini's are for us freaks

 

GTI is a great car - more liveable and practical and comfortable than the MINI. The quality is impressive too, especially in the new model. They are really aiming to be on par with MINI as a premium small car.

Everyone always says it is faster than a Cooper S but it never felt that way when I test drove them. And it's a little too big to be as nimble as the MINI. (although it'd be quite impressive if it were RWD)

One problem is the gas mileage in the GTI is mediocre. And the styling is somewhere between subdued and homely.

BTW, VW does have free maintenance now.

MINI needs a nice 4 door hatchback.

 

How did you NOT go around a corner if you tested it? Interesting comment, but you really should take it out for a half hour or so and go crank some corners. You also need to hit SPORT and go S. No other way and a few add ons would be important. Believe me there are many options and a lot to learn! A great journey if you are up to it.

I read every post and I just want to add that no one here has made you feel stupid for asking us MINI owners about our cars. I kind of like the opinions given. But don't be too surprised if someone gives you the boot...(MINI HUMOR). On the funnier side, it's like coming to a Raider game and being a Steelers fan! Hoping to ask if it's ok to be a Steelers fan.....

Also, behind that smile as I drive my car, the added bonus is no one really will be interested in your car as they would your other purchase. And come on....do they have clubs to hang out with? There are 99 clubs to have fun with and talk about their car...--STACY

 

2010 Golf R

 

Having been a fan of MINIs since October 2003 and watched their popularity grow over the last SIX years - I sincerely appreciate all that is MINI, but at the same time witnessed the many mechanical misadventures of MINI ownership. To answer your question, yes there are VW and R32 clubs out there that have meetings, drives, drive the Dragon, and live all that is the people's car. In April when a bunch (74) R32s drove the Dragon, we appreciated the participation of several MINIs an accepted that they had better handling - heck we invited them to our Saturday Night's Banquet. MINIs and VWs are different cars that are both driven by people who derive great pleasure from driving cars that they like for their individuality. MINIs are 10/10s driver's cars while GTIs/R32s are 9.5/10s but have an advantage in ride and finish quality.

 

Whatever you're into. Personally, I like to drive my car.

 

get the folksvagan

theres enough MINI'S on the road

and the ones that dont wave should sell theirs

jmho

 

si or wrx

 

Get the MINI. here is my reasons why. To begin with I have an 07 and I rode in an 07 GTI last night. Here are the reason to get a MINI
1. The GTI though is very nice inside it didn't hold up well for the 2 years. The interior was falling apart.
2. He had 3 differnet lights on his dash (SES, Airbag, and some other one I can't remember)
3 From what he told me about the service he got from VW he would rather take it to a Jiffy Lube for all warranty work the VW dealership cause they screwed up his car.
4. As far as driveability the VW is smooth almost to the point you forget that you are driving a car. The MINI still lets you know that you are driving.
Get the MINI you won't be dissapointed. Everyone will ask you about it. No one will talk to you about a GTI.

 

If your local dealer is charging full sticker for the Minis, then order a 2010 and get it just the way you want it. You can get one in the low 20s w/o options or nicely equipped with all the performance stuff for about $26k. No need to spend close to $30k unless you want all the options.

I haven't driven the GTI, but from what I've read, the Mini is the enthusiast's car (better performance, more engaging, but at the cost of a slightly harsher ride), which the GTI is more comfortable and luxurious, but at the cost of performance. If you want to jump in and drive 1000 miles, the GTI is better. If you want a huge grin every time you drive, go for the Mini.

You have to decide for yourself, but the GTI seems like a car for an older guy who is more into comfort and the Mini is for the young (at heart) who wants to get the most out of life!

 

gti inside = nice..seats and its roomy

mini...plasticy and too novely

as far as that guy and lights... sucks for that guy

i dont like either dealer...mini or VW. good experiences with honda and nissan

driveability. mini and gti are both lacking

if i did it all over again. 09 wrx wagon.
-space
-power
-handling
-mid pricing

 

If you just want a car, buy anything based on Spec/Performance Figure.

If you want more, get yourself a MINI!

 

As far as dealer performance too all manufacturers are ok. MINI so far has treated me the best. I have had a Ford, GM and 2 Nissans. Nissan was ok but I hated how they would try to blame everything on the Mods on my car. Sunroof went out it was cause the exhaust was to loud and burned out a fuse. Yes they tried that crap. Obviously you got on a MINI forum so we already know what you are going to get and its the MINI. Just take the jump and you won't be disappointed. Price wise though you got to watch out comparably equiped cars the VW can get expensive very quickly and so can the MINI but I think you'll spend more on the VW.

 

Go for the GTI.

 

Get the MINI S, then keep posting as the smiles/miles add up. I will watch how it goes for you and depending on your experience, when my lease is three months from lapsing my decision to go MINI or something else will in no small part depend on your ownership.

So go for the MINI S
Good Luck.

 

Sorry for digging up a dead thread....
I used to have a 07 MCS 6mt until 2008, and I now have a MKVI GTI 4DR 6mt.
I don't even know what the interior is like in 10 MCS but 10 GTI's interior is better than 07 MCS interior. The gauges and the steering wheel make you feel like you are in a super car. I am still breaking in the GTI so I have not done full throttle launches. I still remember how much I fought with the torque steer of the MCS. MKVI stock dyno's show 200 whp and 200+ wtq. But the MCS pulled harder, IMO. Probably because MCS is 500+ lbs lighter. GTI's standard sport suspension feels and looks better. And having 4 doors is a plus for me.

They are somewhat similar yet very different cars. I feel very fortunate to have been able to experience the ownership of both cars.

 

Those were my two car choices as well. After driving the 2010 GTI, I found the suspension/ride to be comparable to the MCS (maybe not quite as harsh, but still a lil stiff).

In the end I went with the MINI because you don't see one on every street corner.

 

I just picked up a MCSa for full time home, and a Mk VI 4 Door DSG GTI for my weekend home. The two are quite different. I'll report more as the miles fly by.

 

Go with the MINI