This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
Sorry guys! Anyway, heres their verdict (slightly edited):
Both cars are huge fun. Cup is more entertaining to drive and cheaper. However, ride is too firm and lack of soundproofing makes it frustrating to live with day in, day out. It also falls on safety side. Omission of traction control is understandable but absence of ABS is not.
Cooper takes the laurels as an all-round package. Not as quick as the Cup, but is easier to live with thanks to its refined drive and more supple ride. We reckon its worth the 6 month waiting list.
Strange really, these 2 cars are in different price brackets anyway, so its understandable that the Mini would have more toys and be a bit more refined. Cooper S is about the same price as a normal 172 isnt it? I wonder why they didnt compare with that instead of the Cup?
172 has been compared with the S several times in the past in other magazines. Best one was EVOs around June?? Both cars got excellent reviews overall and I think the Cooper S just edged it at the verdict.
The cooper s only won in evo due to the toys AGAIN !
We all need to remeber that the CUP is around 3K cheaper ! For the 3k difference we all know that the CUP would kill any mini. 3k will buy some serious mods. The Mini is fat and too many "I want to be cool" people drive them.
The CUP is for people that are serious drivers and not ones that just want to "look good"
I was comparing the article about the standard 172 vs MCS not against the Cup. MINI comes with phuck all toys as standard, you have to add them on as extras. I think the MINI is a bit of a look at me fashion statement and I will agree that a lot of people who drive them are 30 something women with a rich husband and that they only by the car as it is like buying a new Gucci handbag if you get my drift. In 12 months time it will be something else. It is not exactly aimed at young boy racers (hence the price tag) by that I mean 18-22 sort of age bracket. It just so happens that along with all the fashion statement and retro that it also is an excellent drivers car. I dont class myself as a boy racer........maybe I am a fashion victim after all?
Minis aint bad.... problem is you can pick up a 172 for 12k.... so either 15850(chilli pack) for a mini or Clio 172 for 12000 You could spend the other 3k on mods
I think that the vast majority of mini drivers would not even contemplate a 172 because performance isnt their bag baby. After all it is for hairdressers isnt it? That doesnt apply to myself though as I did consider a 172 and like it a lot but instead opted for a 19 grand mini, soon to be a 21 grand mini. If I was on a tight budget then I am sure that a 172 would be my chariot at the moment.
I dunno if it is a hairdressers car, is a hairdresser that well paid then because £21000 ! My god man, are you insane ! Just think of the cars you could get for that price ! The mini may be good but £21000 good ? I dunno whether to laugh or cry I gotta admit. Each to their own I suppose and this topic has been done to death I know but I just fail to see the attraction of the mini that is all, even the old ones.
To say that the 172 would only be chosen if someone is on a tight budget is a bit naive...... if I had £20000 to spend on a car then I would still buy a 172 and use the rest to do whatever I wanted to it.
21 grand ouch.if its for 210hp then OUCH if its for 250 it will be SWEET (Montoyas spec).. v.close to "super hatch" prices.... i think 147GTA, S3, R32 are only a couple away from there.
21 grand for 212bhp and better performance than the Focus RS and similar money. Getting it more for individuality. On a day to day basis I wouldnt even use the power but it is nice to know that it is there. What else could I get for 21 grand I ask?? An Impreza STI? An Evo 6, a TVR? The list goes on but you try insuring one of the above at 21.
Daipac, I think you have twisted my statement about 172s are for people on a tight budget. I did quite clearly say that if I was on a tight budget then I would have gone for a 172.
Evo have a long termer Cooper S. It has the 17" wheels, air con and a lot of other goodies that I think most people will stick on the car. All the road tests I have seen on the Cooper S Have been for the basic car. It will be interesting to see how it compares. Since taking stuff off the Clio made it quicker so surely sticking stuff on will make a Cooper S slower!! 0-60 in around 10 secs I reckon!!!
None of the one I have seen tested have been basic!!! If you look at the articles it usually says "price as tested" and the gay blue one which has been used for a lot of mag tests (Evo being one of them) gives it at about 17 grand. Really basic.
BMW quote 0-60 in 6.9 and to 62 in 7.4 for the Cooper S. I am still yet to see a magazine test it and to get 6.9 0-60 dash. The best time I have seen it Top Gear test it at 7.1 seconds to 62.
I have that issue of Top Gear with me (always have a few mags at work for reference) Now the car they tested had no optional extras no air conn (you can tell by looking at the pic of the dash) Same in Autocar and Same in Evo!!! Not sure about other mags as I dont but any others
Those 0-60 times in Top gear were driven off a cliff!!!
Lets end this stupid discussion shall we. We will end up going backward and forwards all day long fighting our corner for our beloved cars. I come on this forum as it is interesting and have some good discussions. I even met 2 members of this forum and went out for a blast. If thats not putting my money where my mouth is then I dont know what is.
Zonda comes first, Ferrari 575 2nd or 3rd cant remeber which, Cooper S 4th.
There is talk of a meet early next year at Santa Pod I think. Good day out for all like you say. I fancy coming down for a pop. Never done quarter mileing or anything like that before so will be an experience.