Hello,

Just joined the forums and I've been doing quite a bit of research on these two cars. The amount of information and options is a little overwhelming to me, however I'm having a hard time finding actual real world results from modifications to these cars.

I'm a V6 Genesis Coupe owner and I'm dying for a sexy looking convertible. This roadster is just perfect. I'm looking to modify this car at least closer to the power I'm seeing with my Genesis, that said, I'm realistic in that this is only a 1.6T inline 4, front-wheel drive car. So my goal here is a reasonable boost in hp where I can get it without going crazy with bigger turbo's and loud exhausts. From my research it looks like the JCW model is simply just a Cooper S with a better tune. I'm guessing that in a Cooper S with a couple mods and a custom tune, I could do better than the 208bhp that is posted for the JCW model.

TL;DR

If I plan on modding this vehicle, would it make more sense just to buy the Cooper S to save money initially? Or is there something that I am missing in the JCW build?

Thanks in advance for your advice

 

Well, I wasn't going to answer because I assumed that someone with better knowledge than me would come along and provide some answers. But I guess they're not gonna.

My understanding is that the JCW engine has some tweaks beyond mere tune: upgraded pistons for one (and maybe only? Like I said, I'm no expert).

As far as comparing the power of the MINI to what you're used to, don't forget to take into account the weight difference between the cars, as well as where in the rev-range that power is being generated. The MINI's engine is pretty torquey (which is going to be of more importance than bhp for making you feel quick) even from pretty low revs. I don't know what the character of the Hyundai is, but maybe go take a Roadster for a test drive and see if it feels peppy enough for you.

 

If it were me, I'd buy either a GP2 (more a race car) or a factory JCW with JCW suspension and go from there. And I'd flip a coin on the suspension, depending on warranty issues. Buy standard suspension and then change it up with a bit of lowering with spring\shock combination or coilovers, and a rear sway bar and call it a day. Other items I might consider would be an intercooler. Most everything else, in my opinion is not a good value in the cost to HP ratio, but neat stuff anyway.

 

Those convertible GP2s are pretty hot, but so incredibly rare!

Sent from my Galaxy S3 using NAMotoring

 

...and the Roadster GP2s even more so.

 

Ha! Sorry! I missed the convertible part in the OP!

 

If you get a roadster S and mod it with an Akrapovic exhaust and down pipe. And a good tune with some minor suspension mods. You will have a beast and be as good as a 2013 JCW or better for less money. I would get the JCW exterior and interior as I think they are good bang for the money.