Go-Kart Handling Put To The Test

The description of “go-kart” handling has been lavishly heaped on MINIs since the classic Mini rolled off the assembly line. However with the introduction of the modern MINI, the phrase seams almost so inescapably linked as to be cliche . Comparison such as this stand to be tested and the MINI Cooper and go-kart comparison is just what Crank and Piston sought out to settle with the latest third generation MINI Cooper S at the Dubai Kartdrome.
None of us are expecting the MINI to beat the go-kart. Even despite its 178.5hp advantage, the MINI’s 1000kg weight deficit – plus its comparatively high centre of gravity – makes the Cooper S a sitting duck around the Kartdrome’s tight and twisting technical layout. Based on David’s experience, he estimates the MINI will be 8-9 seconds slower than the go-kart. Anything under that should demonstrate the new Cooper’s ‘go-kart like’ precision.
We will not ruin the final result for you, but suffice to say, the MINI makes a capable and entertaining steer on the course:
Ryan has no problem keeping the Cooper S out of the barrier. Through another tight right hander and onto the back straight, Ryan has just enough time to flick into second gear before braking hard into the final complex, the MINI dancing through the tight left-right-left chicane and taking a little kerb on the outside onto the main straight to nail it to the start-finish straight.
Be sure to read the full article including the final result at Crank and Piston.
12 Comments
<p>“Error establishing a database connection”</p>
<p>How are you able to see and post a comment if there’s a DB error? Just curious because we’re not seeing anything here.</p>
<p>I’m seeing the error frequently for the last week or so, especially the last 3-4 days. Happens on both Android phone and desktop via Chrome.</p>
<p>Yes it’s been happening due to server load. However I’m specifically asking about right now or more specifically when the comment was posted since it’s an error that disables the site.</p>
<p>Actually just had it happen again when I clicked the MF banner to get back to the home page.</p>
<p>It’s an error that disables motoringfile.com (like when you click on “Motoringfile” way up at the top of this page), not <a href="http://www.motoringfile.com" rel="ugc">http://www.motoringfile.com</a> … so, there’s a work-around, but it’s damn annoying.</p>
<p>Both of those work for us currently. But thanks – we’ll look into it.</p>
<p>The overall issue is sometbibg we’ve been working on and hopefully will fix soon.</p>
<p>Still happening on my end.</p>
<p>We have our host working on the larger issue (they have been for awhile how). When that is fixed the issue you’re seeing will be fixed.</p>
<p>I have the same error. I’ve also reported it before. motoringfile.com gives you “Error establishing a database connection”. <a href="http://www.motoringfile.com" rel="ugc">http://www.motoringfile.com</a> works fine.</p>
<p>I’d love to see how the standard Cooper compares!</p>
<p>Yes, or a GTI, etc.</p>
<p>Better yet, I’d like it if C&P fully answered their original question, “Does the brand new MINI actually feel like a go-kart to drive.”</p>