Hi all, I'm new to this forum. I just sold the '05 Cooper S that I drove for six years and brought home a '12 Cooper S a week ago. Now, don't get me wrong, I am happy and grateful to have a brand new Mini, but I have some thoughts on the way it drives and was hoping to get some feedback.

The 2012 feels much more 'refined' than the '05 did, and in that sense, to me, it's less fun to drive.
- the steering is much 'easier' (less effort required), even when in Sport mode (kind of ho-hum)
- the engine is much quieter (I miss the growl of my '05)
- downshifting doesn't really slow down the car. The RPMs barely move in either direction and so <gasp!> I have to use my brakes! (I barely ever used my brakes on the '05).

I do like that the 2012 seems to have a lighter, zippier start from being stopped -- it feels like it weighs less, although I have no idea if this is true. What I'd like to know, though, is if there are some (uncomplicated) mods that I can do to make the 2012 have the more rough and tumble feel of the '05. Sadly, at this point, even though it's a beautiful car, I'm less excited to drive it.

I'm also kind of wondering if Mini is 'gentrifying' the Coopers and the Coupe will be the more fun-to-drive car? Sadly, the Couple won't fit my dog crate!

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

My latest experience before ordering my own was my Aunt's 2010 Cooper S. I don't have any experience with the Gen 1 MINI's, but I'm fairly sure the 2012 will be fairly similar to the 2010. At least I hope...

It sounds to me like there have been a lot of electrical upgrades in the new MINI's, which is what is making the steering lighter and downshifting not effecting the car too much. Which, for the general public is a lot better, since I would say the general population doesn't really know how to handle a car and would freak out when downshifting (if they even would try such a thing) and do something drastic or think the car was doing something wrong.

Sorry I don't have much advice to you on making your MINI more rough and tumble feeling. Maybe the cabin is a lot quieter on the 2012's than the '05? My Aunt's 2010 has a decent growl to it when you are standing outside of it.

 

For growl, I'm betting an aftermarket exhaust would help a lot.

 

aftermarket exhaust, rear sway and wheel/tire package should help.

 

I would start with the NM torque arm inserts. They really help with reducing the shuck and jive of the engine during shifts and sudden throttle inputs. Makes the car feel much more responsive and direct. Also introduces a little more vibration inside the cabin if you're into that.

I know what you mean when you say the car feels more tame. I went from an '06 MCS to my current '11 MC and all the electronic nannies and assists makes the car feel much much less aggressive. I also have the base suspension instead of the sport suspension, so my ride is actually quite nice. Which I can't decide if it is a good thing or a bad thing.

Also, engine braking is pretty much non existent it seems. :(