Just traded in my 2003 Cooper S (yes, I had one of the original new mini's from mile zero...) and picked up my new 2011 Cooper S. Feels different, low end torque is better. Can't wait to get through the break-in period to see how the new one sounds at high RPMs compared to the old one. I'll miss the old car, but looking forward to some fun driving with the new one. I'll have to get used to the difference of the turbo versus the supercharger.

 

I did the same thing - except I traded the 03 MCS for a '09 1 Series Bimmer. I missed the MINI to much that I traded the 1 on a Horizon Blue/Black 2011 MCS. My '03 was a manual but the 2011 is an auto.

The only reason I got rid of the '03 was I hated driving in Northern VA traffic with it. Loving the new MINI so far and just got past the break in period.

The 2011 is definitely more refined and seems to be built better. Both are fun to drive. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I am enjoying mine.