It seems like just yesterday that I headed up to the (then brand-new) MINI dealer for some initial test drives. I recently dug up my initial test drive review of the MINI that had been posted three years ago today on some now dead forum. I thought it might be an interesting read for all those who have been new MINI fans since before the beginning:
First off I was surprised at how capable and flat out fun the base Cooper is. It’s almost fun enough to forget about the S entirely. Especially considering I could probably get one next week. With the S I’ll be waiting until June (as I unfortunately found out today). The Cooper’s main weakness in my mind is the 45-70 acceleration. You must be “involved” with the transmission to get to 70 quickly. But that’s part of the fun as well. The Cooper I drove had the 16s and was definitely more harsh that my 325ci with 17s. But keep in mind it wasn’t rough. It also didn’t have the sport seats. I literally had to hang onto the wheel while cornering! It would seem the sport seats are a must have option for all those who drive in a “spirited” fashion and plan on buying a Cooper.
The S was very nice. However it didn’t “feel” as quick as I had expected off the line. Because of the smoothness of the power it felt a bit laid back where I would have expected otherwise. The steering in both cars put my 325ci to shame. When I got back into it after the drives for the first time the steering felt very isolated and numb. Overall I was shocked at the lack of difference between the MC and the MCS in everything but 30-60 mph acceleration.
Another thing that hits you when you see the MINI for the first time in person is it’s presence. It’s such a strange thing for such a small car to have so much presence.
Again I have to stress there was a lot less difference between the Cooper and the S than I had imagined. I think some people will happily go for the Cooper (despite the HP disparity) after they drive it. My wife certainly wants me to (she wants something asap). Still not sure though as I’ve been wanting the MCS for awhile and the price difference isn’t really an issue. That being said the difference between the two is a lot less than the 50hp would suggest and the Cooper is much more compelling after the test drives considering the timetable of when we could get one.
For those curious – we actually ended up getting a Cooper as opposed to an MCS due to what happened later that night. On our way down to St. Louis to visit some friends, we were involved in a pretty bad head-on collision with someone who didn’t yield for a left-hand turn. We were okay but my wife’s classic Volvo 760 (yes the biggest and boxiest ever made) was not.
Because of that we needed a car pretty quickly and after the test drives it was obviously going to be a MINI. However as luck would have it a pre-spec Cooper with our ideal spec was due at the dealer in just a few weeks. Initially I had planned to sell it after a few months of ownership to get an MCS (the car I had originally wanted). But after almost three years of ownership I have yet to bring myself to part with that original Cooper. Which incidentally celebrated it’s own 3rd birthday a few weeks ago.
<p>congratulations, Gabe!</p>
<p>Gabe – I hadn’t seen this piece. Thanks for sharing it with your readers. </p>
<p>I’m sure you didn’t realize when you purchased the Cooper that your thoughts and research on things MINI would turn into one of the best online homes for those that have a jones for MINI info.</p>
<p>Thanks for your continued efforts!</p>
<p>Interesting. If you think about it, MotoringFile may not have been here without that accident!</p>
<p>Did you test drive at Patrick? I first tested there soon after they opened and was told I had to wait months to even TEST drive an S! They instead gave me a base cooper with 15’s…I was disappointed after getting all four wheels to slide at very low speeds in a neighboring lot. However I figured it was just the budget rubber. No intention to buy just wanted to see one for myself.</p>
<p>Skip ahead several years, and now there’s one in my driveway. :)</p>
<p>At the time I lived closer to Knauz so that’s where I ended up. They actually had both models available for test drives that morning and were great about letting us take our time with them.</p>
<p>Interesitng thought about the accident. Although I would bet if that accident hadn’t have happened I would have waited a few more months and gotten a dark silver/white MCS :)</p>
<p>That said I think me owning a Cooper has been better for the site. I can’t quite say why… it’s just a feeling.</p>
<p>Funny…I ended up with a MC/PS/B also and have yet to part with it for an S. Although the new engines that are due soon may prompt me to do so. My year 2 ends the first of April and I have just added some more “fun” items to her. It’s a great car and always draws a response even 2 years later. Keep up the good motoring and thanks for this link, it helped me decide which way to go.</p>
<p>I guess I’ll start off being the defender of us “S” folks.</p>
<p>I have driven both and can say I can’t agree less.</p>
<p>The “S” is so superior to the Cooper its amazing to me that anybody would think otherwise. Yes the 1st gear acceleration is similar but after that it’s adios and not slightly either. Cornering is similar but once you exit a turn it’s, again, adios. The only Coopers that have come close are the ones with enhancements to their engines or suspension.</p>
<p>Not to start the MINI Cooper Wars but………… give me a break, there a DOG!</p>
<p>Too late…</p>
<p>My Cooper has the optional SS+ suspension – the exact same thing on the MCS. So saying they are much different in the handling dept is just incorrrect. Technically is handles better since it weights less. Further the base suspension (also found on the MCSc) is hardly any different from SS+. I guess in general, having driven an MC and MCS back to back many many times, I can’t disagree more with your statement :)</p>
<p>Except for maybe that the Cooper can be a dog. But only in situations where you’re accelerating from a high speed. Otherwise it’s certainly quick enough with the right gear. </p>
<p>And I seriously can’t believe this is still being discussed at this point.</p>
<p>I have to agree with Gabe on the Cooper and Cooper S issue and I am able to comment with authority since we own a 2002 Cooper AND a 2004 Cooper S. I like both for different reasons. Our Cooper has the base suspension and the 15″ wheels althought I have a set of 17″ S-Lites for it. The Cooper is really a perfect everyday car and I drive it as such with a lot of it around town driving. I don’t find there to be a whole lot of difference in handling in everyday use. I drive them both very aggressively and love to throw them around in corners. The MCS is not wildly superior. The Cooper on the other hand is a much more comfortable car on bumby roads in the city and bouncy highways. The slightly softer ride makes it just a bit more friendly when spending a lot of time in it. The MCS getts a little harsh. Our MCS is on stock 16″ V-Spokes. </p>
<p>The MCS 6-speed is pure joy and and the power of the MCS makes it a lot more fun getting on an on-ramp or passing. The 5- speed has been a problem and replaced twice. I do fidn the Cooper to be just as entertaining because without the power you have to think a little more when zipping around the traffic. It makes you think and plan ahead and work the car. I have just as much fun in the Cooper.</p>
<p>Our Cooper is also three years old. I bought it at Concord MINI. They were selling first-come-first-served and there were 10 cars available. I was at the dealer the minute they opened at 12 noon March 22, 2002. </p>
<p>My new MCS with an automatic is due to arrive in April to replace the Cooper but I can honestly say I am not completely sold on having two MCS. We’ll see.</p>
<p>Gabe you proved my point….only Coopers with enhancements.</p>
<p>And……..I can’t disagree more with your statement. </p>
<p>They go BOW WOW, unless enhanced as you just described. But it’s kinda like saying one of my kids is better than the other their both kool one is just a D…</p>
<p>And I think you rehashed the debate, as far as I’m concerned, in your article. And as long as new folks climb aboard the Mini carousel the debate is fresh.</p>
<p>Nah….so there.</p>
<p>Congrats Gabe!<br />
Thanks for reposting the article! :)</p>
<p>We don’t drive MINI’s because they are the fastest car. We drive them because of how they make us feel.</p>
<p>Having just traded my 2002 Cooper in on a 2005 MCS JCW I see them as two very different exhilarating driving experiences. The Works car is terrifyingly fast and the transmission is overthetop tolerant. Makes me feel a little detached from the car. As my 11 year old said, “dad, it feels like we’re floating.” The Cooper needs to be driven precisely to maximize its potential, so it can play with the big boys, and the need to do so makes it a purer driving experience. It’s about finesse. </p>
<p>They’re both great cars, just different.</p>
<p>Thanks Gabe for 2 years (since I found my way here)!</p>
<p>A couple of back-to back runs on the Dragon, 1 done in a Cooper, the other in an S, both with a reasonably competent pilot at the wheel, should be enough to lay the “S-vs.-Cooper” trash talk to rest. From what I saw there last year, the only difference was which gear each car spent most time using; the Coopers had no trouble keeping up- they just buzzed along at a slightly higher pitch. =)</p>
<p>As you were, I was also thoroughly impressed with the Cooper during my first test drive. The deciding factor for me was probably the gearbox more than the engine, actually. I love my ’03 S, and plan to keep it ’till the day I’m no longer physically able to drive (it wouln’t be fair to keep him penned up in a garage just because I couldn’t take him out any more!)</p>
<p>That said, if I was buying a new MINI today, I’d likely choose a Cooper, and spend the price difference saved “me-ifying” it to a greater degree early on… lightweight forged wheels, sticky shoes, maybe some minor suspension and brake mods, if I ever got good enough to put them to good use.</p>
<p>And I’d enjoy even less frequent opportunities than I now have to smile at SUV owners when I pull up to the pump.</p>
<p><em>grin</em></p>
<p>Great piece Gabe. I went through something somewhat similar in the ordering process. My dealer told me in April of ’02 that the wait for an S would be the end of the summer. I opted for a chili red/white Cooper with sport pkg…which took over two months. I’ve driven both and yes, the 30 to 60 mph difference is there, but I could never ditch my Cooper!!!</p>
<p>Wonderful trip down memory lane, Gabe! I’ve still got my Cooper, and, as some may know, have an ‘S’ as well, so I can speak as a split personality here – they are both dogs – terriers, in fact! – quick little pooches who can turn on a dime and have that snappy, alert personality that can give way to tenacity quite sharpish! And hard to throw a leash on! ;-)</p>
<p>I came to MINIs from the old school – 1275S’s, original Coopers, and woodie Countrymans, and there are many presumptions I’ve had to leave by the wayside, because this car confounds all preconceptions. There a many in the Classic Mini world who wouldn’t waste spit on a new ‘S’, but I’ve always had an open mind, and my first sight of MINI almost sold me right then, so the test drives just cemented the new MINI into my soul. </p>
<p>I will also add that the folks in extended family of MINI owners, (and the Classic owners who can open up their hearts), with rare exceptions, are the BEST, most enthusiastic, least pretentious motorers on the planet. </p>
<p>It’s been almost three years now, since that evening in June, when I nervously drove out of Long Beach for San Diego – excited, amped, chuffed, just plain a grinnin’ fool – and knew I was driving one of the best road machines ever – no brag, just fact. Hell, I’m still grinnin’.</p>
<pre><code> BCNU,
Rob in Dago
</code></pre>
<p>Nice piece, thanks for sharing it. We are also two MINI owners – an early 03 MC and a late 04 MCS. We love both cars for different reasons. I will think about getting a new MC when the engine changes come along – but I am not sure even that will get me to part with her.</p>
<p>Great write up! Thanks for digging that up. My initial test drive reactions were similar. I also ended up going for the MC for the sake of not waiting. I had already been waiting from before BMW made a decision as to which dealer was going to sell ’em.
I’ll be celebrating my MC’s 3rd birthday come June. I can hardly wait for the variants to get here!</p>
<p>Well I had fun stirring the pot now it’s off to Getty-Land……TTFN.</p>
<p>Great article Gabe!</p>
<p>RB, I bet you there are a lot of JCW owners giggling at your original post thinking about your S exactly what you think about the Cooper.</p>
<p>So Nah!</p>
<p>Hahaha…</p>
<p>I just love stirring the pot. People get so wound up over this s$#t it amazes me. Could care if you drive an S or a Trabant, really.</p>
<p>LIGHTEN UP FOLKS!</p>
<p>I saw a Cooper driven by Uptick at a Bear Tear run and boy he did quite well in the lead on the single-lane road. I have a modded S and as the road opened later i was only then able to pass him. I was convinced last week that i should have gotten a MC- except the gearing on my ’05 S is absolutely fabulous. I could have used the $$$ in savings though, in hindsight. However, the gearing, the hp/torque, exhaust change, and now the pulley, the…etc. (I probably would have saved EVEN more money with the MC now)</p>
<p>Boy, Mini makes great cars and tough choices!!!</p>
<p>Funnier thing– Uptick told me now, he has an “S” on order. Strange, but true!</p>
<p>When I decided to get a MINI two years ago, I admit that I did not know much about the rich heritage and storied pedigree from which this iconic car evolved. To me, it just looked like a <em>fun</em> and unique car to <em>drive</em>, and that was just all I was looking for at the time. The decision to get the Cooper instead of the S was made before test driving or even comparing specifications (or price); I just didn’t know how to operate a manual transmission! </p>
<p>Many <em>fun</em>-filled thousands of miles later, I have not lost one bit of admiration or love for my Cooper. The sports package and sports suspension plus have provided me the pleasure of superb handling and agility in tortuous roads oftentimes considered <em>tortur</em>ous for others. The CVT has not detracted from my having <em>fun</em> and yet has provided a different experience of extracting power from a hard-working engine, whether in the twisty mountains, on the highway, or in city traffic. </p>
<p>Part of the <em>fun</em> driving the Cooper is making it work to sprint and play hard; it is no less whiptastic than an S. Knowing how to make the Cooper work optimally was part of the challenge.</p>
<p>I credit the whole motoring experience in my Cooper for my desire to learn to drive a manual tranny. And with this desire awaits a whole new experience with my next MINI – more challenge and ultimately more <em>FUN</em>!</p>