5th Gear: Cooper vs Cooper D
Yes it’s an old one we’ve had on MF before. But it’s certainly worth another look consider the resurgence of high fuel prices. Which one is the real MPG champ? Which one is the winner on the track? The 5th Gear finds the definitive answer.
<p>The Cooper D has got 17″ wheels so any comparison is biased LOL</p>
<p>They should have also changed drivers and done it again. Who’s to say one driver is not better than the other especially by 2 seconds. Give me a (e)brake!</p>
<p>Not sure how I’ve missed this 5th Gear Episode, but it shows the problem with Hybrids and Diesel, they cost more to buy, and while you get better MPG, it takes a while before you break even. For me, if it took 4 years to break even, and have a slower car, I’m not sure I’d buy the Dooper if it made it to the US.</p>
<p>I have a R56 Turbo Cooper S and have driven a Cooper loaner, and in the non-turbo Cooper was always eager to rev and very nippy at low end…even if it was overall slower than the turbo. Like the Dooper, there’s still some turbo-lag, and the lack of lag makes the Cooper still fun to drive.</p>
<p>Diesel car depends on how much mileage you do a year. So Ä°f you are using your car time to time or work is so close to home then why miss the fun and buy a Diesel Cooper.</p>
<p>I’ve always had petrol cars, including Minis, and now I have the Dooper Dubman. Now coming up for its 1st service, I’m really starting to see that diesel doesn’t necessarily lack on fun. What I do miss is the revving sound of the petrol, and the higher revs – the N12 engine is such fun – but at the end of the day (or month) I realise I’ve been to the filling station very few times indeed! The sacrifice of the engine sound is thus bearable, and the fun factor, though different to that of the N12, is by no means less! Which would I stick with? One of each, probably…. and an MCS for good measure.</p>