"We" were at Shell and the guy on my right driving a severe V8 Audi Coupe and the guy on my left in an AMG twin turbo S550 were both asking me bout the Mini.

The 30 suburbs 42 hwy mpg @ 75mph had the Mercedes guy repeating my figures out loud and asking what do Minis cost.

 

My mileage is no where near that good. What are you driving?

 

+1. Me too. No matter how hard I try to restrain my right foot, I never get more then 31.5 mpg on the highway.

 

In 2007,I drove my new to me used MINI from Virginia Beach to Atlanta - 2006 MCS Cabrio. Car had aftermarket wheels and tires, I threw the stock w & t's in the back. I drove no faster then 65 mph the entire ride - no mean feat on 95 & 85. My interstate mpg was just 40 mpg, a milestone never repeated.

 

2012 MCS stick. MD back roads then DC Beltway and Rte 7 which has lights.

Then Sunoco 93 Octane.

 

If the OBC is set to Kilometers, 42 miles would translate to about 27 which make more sense at speeds of 75 MPH. The engine would be running in the range of 3200+ RPM.

 

In my own experience I never just trust the computer to calculate MPG, at least do a few tank fills yourself to verify that its reading accurately. 42 does sound awful good for the highway.

 

I have a 06 JCW s/c and my friend has a 2010 clubmanw Jcw turbo and we both came to the same conclusion, that you actually get better milage
going 73 to 75 mph, you can get 32 to 35 mpg around 3300 rpm's , try it !

 

When I installed the laser detector, my MPG went right out the window. 27 MPG tops!

 

My real point in posting was to note how much attention the Mini got from owners of above average performance cars. Instead of a pissing contest it was mutual respect.

 

I don't really think that you started a pissing match… It just a response, to the claim of 42 MPG in a MCS…

 

The OP mentioned and is referring to the pissing contest that didn't but could have broken out among the muscle car drivers, not the 'discussion' about MPG. This is a good example of the weakness this type of communication has as opposed to face to face where inflection and body language can be expressed. The OP's experience is atypical of most general public responses. People in general have a horrible habit of underestimating the capabilities of the MINI.

 

set to miles. Why debate? We all drive differently. Let's enjoy our cars.

 

Yeah! If you have to ask, you can't afford it.

 

I suspect a number of people with SuperCars are burdened by their vehicles. If you get a rock chip on your MINI, it's "Oh, crap!" If you get a rock chip on your AMG, it's a heart attack.

 

I bet his car is set to Imperial Gallons, instead of US gallons.....

Made that mistake once

 

I can normally average 30 imp mpg, that more like 25 us mpg. but without using the a/c most of the time and city start stop traffic using chevron 91. 42 mpg in the OBC i can only do it with imp setting and a super long freeway drive without the a/c and super light foot lol

 

No I didn't mean that! I meant the two other drivers were so respectful!! I meant there was no "my car is better" just a bunch of enthusiasts.

 

I've posted this before, but last summer I drove across Michigan's Upper Peninsula and back on a tank of gas. I knew it was 55 mph the whole way, so thought I'd challenge myself to see how far I could go on a tank. 632.5 miles, set cruise to 60, drove with the sunroof and windows open, perfect weather and no traffic. Filled up in St. Ignace, drove to Copper Harbor and stayed there for two days driving around a bit, and drove back to St. Ignace. Computer said 49.5 mpg.

 

I caught your drift in the original post. Sounds like a nice chance encounter.

 

Those types of experiences seem like they don't happen as often as they used to. Thanks for sharing your story.

 

+1
Back in 2005 folks would chat me up EVERYWHERE I went.....
a 5 minutes trip to the store would take a hour.....
now that MINI advertises, and has MANY MORE dealers...not as common...but still happens.

 

I get alot of questions around ft meade here. The thing i have found moving closer to larger city is alot more minis but not the s. I dont know why but the S seems to get peoples attention. Or maybe its the recirc valve because i love that sound. Driving to and from work here i get about 38 MPG but thats on a brand new engine. (up to about 800 miles now). Back home though (west virginia) i get questions anytime i stop.

 

Last week I was passed (slowly) by a beautiful Merc SLS AMG Convertible. He (and she) had their top down which seemed crazy as it was cold on Hwy 133 over to Aspen. I followed him for about 20 miles, respectfully, figuring he didn't even know I was behind him. But evidently they had spotted me passing the cars they had passed and when I finally made my turn off, he blinked his lights - I think in acknowledgment. It was a fun 30 miles...

 

everyone loves a mini!