hatch vs mini cooper s

[imported_mega]

how do the hatchbacks drive/handle/feel compared to the mini cooper S?

Trying to decide if I should wait for a test drive when they hit the us, or order the mcs, I love the feel of the mcs, but hate the dash

[rimmer]

the cooper-s torque steers like a b!tch!! The 1 handles and drives so much better.

[imported_mega]

Originally Posted by rimmer

the cooper-s torque steers like a b!tch!! The 1 handles and drives so much better.

have you drove both? I did not feel much torque steer when I test drove, I did not think it was a problem until you push the mini over 230 hp

your comment about handling confuses me, everyone raves about the mcs handling?!?!? that's why I'm switching from my M3 to a mini, it's so much more fun to drive

[rimmer]

I work for a BMW/Mini dealer in the UK. Having driven both on numerous accounts, the mini in my opinion was too much of a handful, this may well be down to the roads being made of swiss cheese and not tarmac. The FR setup on the 1series i think is a much better package for the roads in the UK. Having also taken both around Cadwell park (www.motorsportvision.co.uk) the "unique" character of the mini really shone through, mainly down to the smooth tarmac surface of the track. Both are great fun cars to own/drive, it all boils down to personal preferance.

AJ

[imported_mega]

I'll be putting a trailer hitch on the car for sure, and towing a mountain bike, and a dirtbike, less than 500 pounds total weight, the bike is only 230, trailer prolly 250, I ride 3 days a week, currently I use a f150, it's like driving nails with a 30 pound sledgehammer, it makes 1 day of riding cost 30 $ in gas.

the mini seems like a better daily driver, high mpg, cheap to insure, and fun, the once or twice a year auto-x, and the drive up in the mountains or twisties

I really only drive my m3 back and forth to work, moderate twisty backroads, I've also got a 1974 2002 I commute in when it's nice

I'm afraid if I buy the 135i I'll end up not using it like I want to, ie like my m3, it sits in the garage and I tow the bike with my f150 instead

I need a daily driver, not a garage queen

[rimmer]

probably consider a mini cooper-s with a John Cooper Work Kit. That would be best of both worlds if your roads are nice and smooth.

[imported_mega]

Originally Posted by rimmer

probably consider a mini cooper-s with a John Cooper Work Kit. That would be best of both worlds if your roads are nice and smooth.

georgia has really nice roads, for the most part, some great roads

there's now jcw kit for the 2007

[rimmer]

How about this??!

[imported_mega]

too much bling for me

we are going for red with white stripes, white roof, and I'm going to put my family Irish crest on the roof

trailer hitch and single rail trailer

30mpg towing my bike, vs 14 that I get now

[rimmer]

Good combo to go for, that paint job cost £3500! just to have it done!

[TMK001]

You cant fit a hitch to an MCS cause it has centre exit exhausts.

[Drillslinger]

Originally Posted by TMK001

You cant fit a hitch to an MCS cause it has centre exit exhausts.

Actually, take a look at the Sport Link attachment offered by Mini Fini. :wink:
http://www.minifini.com/

[imported_mega]

Originally Posted by TMK001

You cant fit a hitch to an MCS cause it has centre exit exhausts.

2 companies sell MCS hitches

[Drillslinger]

Yeah, I didn't mention the MINI Do More hitch because I wasn't 100% sure that it worked with the R56 :iono:

[PACIFICONE2003]

Drillslinger, do you know what the towing capacity is for the mini? I am considering buying a 2006-2007 mini Cooper for my wife...however, we would like to tow a small cargo/luggage trailer.........for when we would go on small weekend trips....in the perfect world....the 1er will be my new daily driver. Who would sell these trailers?

[Drillslinger]

Not sure about the trailers. MINI Do More makes a small one with 1000lb capacity for $825 (HERE)

Other than that, I don't know. I seem to recall that the max towing capacity of the MCS is either 1100 or1500 lbs. Oh, and max tongue weight is usually around 75 lbs.

I eventually want to get a lightweight teardrop like the Rascal from goLittleGuy.com

[PACIFICONE2003]

That's so funny....I actually drove through a golittleguy dealer yesterday.....I was suprised how expensive their trailers can get.....$5K++ Thanks for your help!

[Drillslinger]

No worries, glad I could help

And actually, I probably won't be getting a goLittleGuy Teardrop after all... 5k is about 1/7th of a 135

[PACIFICONE2003]

Huhh...Didn't think of it that way Drillslinger......save our money and buy both toys (mini and 1er--ooowaa)!

[turbo911cm]

Go for the Mini, you will love it on Auto X and it is a reasonable car.

Just as a side note, seen some pretty wicked swaps on vintage mini's lately. http://www.minimania.com/ArticleV.cfm?DisplayID=1887

There is even a Jackson Racing supercharged version, for those who have a death wish.

[MEENEEBoy]

I luv the MINI & the 1er Hatch. I wish BMW North America would consider bringing it here. I don't mind to own both the MINI & The 1er Hatch. Yeahhh baby yeahhh !!! :headbang:

[professor]

even though the 1 hatch has five doors (if you want) somehow the mini is more comfy in the back.