I will be replacing the MK4 Jetta Wolfsburg we have in our family with the new Countryman S (yup!... part of Vdub family at the moment)

After renting Countryman for a day, it got me thinking some dangerous thoughts: making a switch from my 9 year old GTI 337 with 118k miles that I've enjoyed since new to R56 Mini Cooper S (or R53) - Will be getting USED if I decide to switch.

This move will, obviously, results in 2 Minis in the garage rather than 2 Vdubs!

I wanted to hear what current Cooper S owners opinions and experiences are with their car, especially if you moved from MK4 GTI 337, 20th, or GLI - ride, driving experience, daily usage, reliability, the whole ownership experience etc.

Of course the final decision is of mine, but I'd love to hear what you guys think. Thanks for your 2 cents~

 

1 Here. Went from a 01 GTI VR6 manual with 47k.
Love the handling from the stock suspension. Not used to the turbo yet and still havent gotten past the break in period, cant wait.
Its a fun car so far, i love it.
Heres what I had b4


now

 

I had an 04.5 GLI manual with 1.8.
I chipped it and did most of the bolt-ons. I wouldn't buy another one, but it was a great car and lasted 75k before trading it in...
I've since had an 07 335i auto and an 07 X3. I bought my cooper s Saturday and it's my favorite "fun" car out of all of them.

Favorite all around car for those interested would have to be the 335i.

 

I have an 09 Coop S. I can tell you I have raced a lot of GTI/GLIs and the mini takes them every time.

 

I've got an 03 Imola Yellow 20th and a 10 Mini S and I love them both for very very different reasons. Obviously the 20th is modded, while the Mini is stock so its not the best comparison but heres a few things I notice when switching from one to the other:

Steering: GTI wins every time, much more direct, linear and natural feeling. After driving the GTI for a few days, switching to the Mini feels like you're playing a video game. The electric power steering is the biggest issue I have with my car though. Also, the torque steer on the Mini (w/ factory LSD) is much more noticeable.

Suspension: The stock Mini sport suspension is stiff and unforgiving (has alot to do with runflats too) and rides alot harder than the Koni coilovers on the GTI. I'll have to reserve judgment until the KWs and non-runflats go on the Mini though.

Engine: Again the GTI is modded (revo stage 2, FMIC, TT turboback and much more) but the Mini feels faster and once it receives the same treatment, I have no doubt in my mind that it will be faster than the 1.8T. That is until my K03 goes and a K04 or larger replaces it. While the GTI is smoother, the torque on the Mini definitely kicks a little more. Plus the gas mileage in the Mini is better on the highway and around town.

Interior: The mkIV VW interior is very simple yet effective, and although I prefer my color scheme on the mini, the stock seats in the GTI are more supportive. At the moment I've got EuroJet carbon fiber buckets in the GTI so the Mini wins on long trips, but with the stocks it would be close. Back seat in the GTI wins, as does the trunk, but I definitely get more compliments on the Mini interior as its much more classy and individual.

Overall they're both great cars and I LOVE them both for different reasons. Honestly in your situation, I'd keep the 337 since you've already got a Countryman and you've owned the 337 since new. Throw a K04 on it when the turbo goes, do a suspension refresh and you'll have a great limited production hatchback that will make you smile for years to come.

Either way you cant go wrong, and I'm excited to see how the Mini stacks up once its modded.

Good Luck!

 

Great! Thanks for your input guys..

and FlavaFlav! That's awesome. You can enjoy the best of the both world! and thanks for your feedback on both cars. Good stuff!

Yeah. I am leaning toward just keeping the 337 and rather spending a bit of capital and effort for some mod. The car's still too good. I am not too keen on heavy mod as I like the OEM Plus status. The only stuff I have on my car at the moment are dieselgeek shifter, neuspeed rear swary, milltek catback and some other small stuff. I will be changing my shocks to Koni Yellow and simply replace/upgrade some more to update the experience.

 

i did from an 03 golf 2.0 to r53 mcsa, this is what i used to drive

 

I had a 2002 GTI 1.8T with a full stage 1 from APR then a 2008 GTI that I traded in for the Mini. The first thing I said when I got back from the test drive in the Mini was that it reminded my on my MKIV.

I must admit though, I do miss the extra torque the 2.0T in the MKV.

 

I recognize that car! Wuttup Bro! Pure Euro in the house!!

 

Automan...I had a rave green GTi also! By far my fav GTI. OP I have come from VW and cant be happier. I have had 4 Mk4 GTI's, 1 Mk6 GTi, and wife has a MK5 Jetta. The MCS feels just as fast, handles better, bets better gas milage, and the interior makes you feel like you are in a regular size car. I highl suggest the switch!

 

hehe yea man, i kind of miss the attention i got it was a good car, but love the mini, def PE in the house, whats going on

 

Haha, Pure Euro up at the Hat in I.E.?

FWIW, I came from a 2003 Jetta 1.8T with APR Stage 1, lowered on a set of Neuspeed Sport Springs.

I can't tell which one is quicker, as I totaled out the Jetta and my MCS was the first car I drove in a month after that happened. I wanna say the Jetta as it didn't feel like it worked as hard as the tiny 1.6L in the MCS.

Fun, hands down the MCS. I actually happen to love the steering feel in the MCS, but the steering in the Jetta wasn't so bad either.

Brakes go to the MCS, with out a doubt. As well as shifting. The five speed in my Jetta was extremely rubbery feeling in comparison to the Getrag 6 in the MCS.

But, if I were you... I'd keep the 337, those cars look so sick. Sounds like you're getting pretty bored with it since you're considering getting a MCS after driving the Countryman. Haha.

Do a couple of mods on, suspension and slight power mods. You'll be well sorted after that.

 

yea i think i went there once before, with the group, dont remember tho

 

Had an ’02 1.8T GTI and then a 20th AE GTI; both with APR.
Then, had an ’04 R32 with an orange Haldex and REVO.
It is a tough comparison as there are similarities and more than a few differences.
The VW’s and the MINI are both fun.
To me, the VW’s were more about force and the MINI is more about finesse.