MINI Cooper S and VW GTI Go Head to Head
Car journalists have one of the toughest jobs out there. Sure it comes with perks, but at the end of the column, they often have to declare a winner someone reading the comparison inevitably feels a little hurt that their favorite didn’t come up on top. In this comparison, the Cooper S was simply outmatched.
On the power side of things, the GTI tested had a performance package which brought it from 210 to 220 hp. The standard Cooper S, as you may know, is 189 hp but, as the reviewer explains, “It isn’t enough” despite being 339 lbs. lighter than the GTI.
Unfortunately for the featured F56 MINI, they ran stock suspension instead of Sport Suspension ($500) or Dynamic Damper Control ($500) which are available as options and included standard in MINIs sport package. Most Cooper S owners would likely choose sport suspension at a minimum. As result, the bumblebee-like F56 didn’t inspire kudos for handling. Adding to the frustration, the GTI had summer tires while the MINI had standard all-season tires. We can’t help but wonder how the MINI would have fared with sport suspension and a sticky set of summer tires.
In just about every area, including available stowage space, the MINI took a drubbing. The news wasn’t all bad, though. It was noted that the MINI interior was consistently quieter in all conditions than the GTI and that the MINI gear shift knob didn’t feel, “…like the top half has come off in your hand.” They also liked the exhaust note in sport mode.
It’s a bit of a shame that for $1250 more the MINI could have come with 17″ wheels and Sport Suspension that may have put it ahead of the GTI on the slalom, and that the GTI included a performance package while the MINI, even though a sport package is available, did not.
It’s also interesting to note that by contrast, Australian web site carsguide.com.au recently compared these two cars and pretty much declared them even. Even off the line, they registered only a 0.2 second difference from 0 to 62 mph, while Road & Track’s 0-60 showed more than a half second difference. The cars were only 0.1 second apart at 50 mph according to Road & Track, but apparently the GTI really pours it on between 50 and 60 mph.
You can read the entire Road & Track comparison here.
<p>“When you hit a winding road, the GTI sheds the Cooper like a snake wriggling from last year’s skin.”</p>
<p>Owe.</p>
<p>Not in my roadster!</p>
<p>Yeah really a shame they somehow managed to pit what was basically a “comfort spec” MINI against the fastest and most aggressive GTI possible.</p>
<p>Stop making excuses for the product. A GTI without a performance pack still sheds the Cooper S like a snake shedding skin. I know, because I just bought a GTI two weekends ago and slaughtered some fool in an F56 S on the dragon. He was giving it all it had and couldn’t even come close to catching me. I’m sure this will get deleted as it’s anti-MINI and that is not allowed.</p>
<p>I totally passed a GTI on the freeway the other day, and I’m pretty sure they saw me and were upset! That’s scientific and objective proof that the GTI is worse than a Cooper S in all respects!! So there!!!</p>
<p>Seriously… you don’t represent GTI drivers very well.
(or, maybe you do?)</p>
<p>And my 1M would murder your GTI two times over. What’s the point?</p>
<p>The MINI has never been about outright performance or speed. It’s about the quality of the driving experience and the enjoyment you get from it.</p>
<p>The R53 and R56 were enjoyable and quick. The F56 is neither. It’s also hideous. And, a 911 will eat your 1M for breakfast. That’s about as fair of a comparison as a 1M and a GTI. A GTI and MCS are actual competitors.</p>
<p>Not really. The GTI is big, wider and heavier. So they lie about their power ratings, like BMW does. I think that the rating on the MinI is probably pretty close in the S. Let’s face it, I think Mini is missing the power boat by not sticking with the 3 cylinder, and power up that engine into the 230 +hp which would really be interesting.</p>
<p>It’s so heavy. Lol. It’s a full 20″ longer, 4″ wider, and has a longer wheelbase but is right at 3000-3100lbs depending on spec. The F55 is almost that heavy and is less powerful, smaller, and much taller. That all equals a poor driving experience.</p>
<p>Actually, no they aren’t. The Cooper is a luxury B-segment sized car. The Golf is a C-segment sized car.</p>
<p>The Cooper’s direct comparison would be an Audi A1 or something similar from other luxury brands. From VW’s line the Polo is in the proper category. However, the Polo doesn’t match in price, so they have to use the Golf to make it an Apples-to-Oranges comparison.</p>
<p>The reality is also that people cross-shop a wide variety of vehicles against the MINI. Everything from 911s to the Prius. Does that include the GTI or the Civic, et.? Of course. But the key thing is that different buyers are looking for different things. In some situations, the MINI comes out on top. In others, it obviously doesn’t. Yet “win” or “lose” in any given comparison, what will always win out is what each individual buyer really cares about. For some, that’s outright, on-paper performance. For others, it’s horsepower-per-dollar. For others still, it’s more of a package deal and a whole lot of brand vibe. I think typically, it’s really been that last consideration that’s brought most buyers to the brand. The fact that MINIs have a lot of performance capability is icing on the cake for most buyers, even if a lot of MF readers would consider performance the cake itself.</p>
<p>Don’t underestimate the “I bought it because it looks nice” contingent.</p>
<p>(or, maybe it should be “because it looks unique”, based on how many Jukes I see on the roads)</p>
<p>Or even, “I bought it because I like the color.”</p>
<p>Yup. I agree. I was cross-shopping GTD (hoping) vs Mini S with effiiency/economy in mind, performance 2nd.</p>
<p>Now I’m waiting for GTE/A3 eTron vs Clubman Plug-In. :)</p>
<p>nicely said!</p>
<p>all of which they’ve watered down…so what are they hoping to compete with? performance and speed and how the two work together is exactly what you’re saying mini is about lol, they are what provide the experience and enjoyment.</p>
<p>I love how you deleted the post about how a 911 would eat your 1M. That’s the same comparison you made between the 1M and GTI. A GTI AND MCS are actually competitors. The 1M and GTI are not.</p>
<p>It wasn’t deleted. I don’t think it posted because it didn’t show up in my inbox. Feel free to repost.</p>
<p>Nothing was ever posted per a quick look at our database. But you’re sorta proving the point btw.</p>
<p>Although the base F56 S without the sports suspension and summer tires does not have the performance numbers of its forbearers, the sports suspension and summer tires make it substantially more enjoyable to drive. AutoExpress recently picked the larger/heaver F55 S five door over the five-door GTI because it is was a more enjoyable drive behind the wheel:</p>
<p>“The big question is, though, will it make drivers happier? Both cars use turbocharged 2.0-litre engines, the MINI delivering 191bhp and the VW 217bhp, but bizarrely it’s the British model that feels quicker from point to point.</p>
<p>You sit lower on the road, the steering reacts quicker, while body roll is non-existent. The Golf feels taller through bends, but super quick in a straight line. There’s also less drama about its performance: swift with a hint of a burble from the exhaust. The MINI shouts louder, though – it’ll growl as you accelerate, parp as you go through the gears and pop as you lift off the throttle. The turbo also chimes in, forcing air into the induction system like a hurricane through a letterbox.</p>
<p>Both cars feel like they want to party, but while the Golf will show you a good time and be tucked up in bed by midnight, the MINI’s off to an all-night rave. If you like your hot hatch full on, then the Brit is the one to go for.” <a href="http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/mini/mini/88559/mini-cooper-s-5-door-vs-golf-gti-family-firecrackers-fight-it-out" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/mini/mini/88559/mini-cooper-s-5-door-vs-golf-gti-family-firecrackers-fight-it-out</a></p>
<p>The fastest and most aggressive? Try Golf R for that and it can be had for the same price as MCS with the base equipment that the Golf R will come standard with. You can’t even defend the F56. It’s not won a single comparo with the GTI – performance pack or not. MINI is stupid not to offer an LSD and a much better engine standard. 189hp from 2L in 2014 from a turbo motor is weak. Especially since the max boost the B48 in S trim can handle is 12psi</p>
<p>That’s why I own a JCW Coupe. The GTI is a cool car, but I think it would have a much harder time with a JCW. Then again I paid a lot more for that exclusivity and performance. I considered a Golf R seriously before I bought my JCW. I just couldn’t imagine ever growing comfortable with the appearance of the Golf/GTI. It reminds me too much of my sisters boxy 1975 Rabbit back in the day.</p>
<p>And everyone tells about ugliness in the new Mini? The Golf looks so plain, I won’t say ugly, but to me it is. The upcoming R? First, at least here in the States, it will only come in auto and 4-door. Both a deal killer for me. Second, it still doesn’t look all that much different from the standard Golf. Of course, just my opinions. I’ll wait for a raped F56 JCW next year without all the red tape.</p>
<p>Actually the R is available with a MANUAL</p>
<p>According to my reading, only DC Automatics will come to the USA. No coupe, or two doo hatches either. Also, no 8″ NAV screen like they have in Europe either, and the 6 hp drop as well. It’s surprising that they only cut 6 hp, the cut was much more in the Gen 6 R series. Maybe it’s time to go to the BMW 2 Series now and forget both.</p>
<p>You’re reading the wrong place. VW’s already said 4-door only but option of manual or DSG.</p>
<p>Golf R doesn’t have the letters GTI in it.</p>
<p>So – they are both Golf cars.</p>
<p>A Cooper JCW and Golf R are the same price and are trying to target the same buyers. Golf GTI and GOLF R share the same first word. The GTI tested didn’t even have the adaptable dampers on it and the pics shared above show 17″ wheels on the MCS.</p>
<p>Not the first time a MCS has been beat in a magazine comparison. It came last behind a Honda Civic (!!) when Motor Trend compared them (<a href="http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/hatchbacks/1407_comparison_four_fun_sporty_runabouts_under_30000/" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/hatchbacks/1407_comparison_four_fun_sporty_runabouts_under_30000/</a>). They hated the manual shifter, some interior problems and that ugly front end (that people on MotoringFile hate to be discussed).</p>
<p>Anyways if we all live/die based on what other people say maybe a MINI is not the right car for some of us.</p>
<p>PS I’ve still only seen one new MCS on the road in a city of 5 million which I find odd? Lots of new base Coopers mind you – probably due to significantly lower base price now.</p>
<p>…Happy R56 JCW owner (for now!).</p>
<p>Actually, the “shift knob that doesn’t feel like the top half has come off in your hand” comment was said as a comparison to the R56 shifter, not the GTI’s.</p>
<p>R&T, C&D and Motor Trend all show at least a 0.5 sec difference in 0-60 between the two cars. 0-100 is more like 1.5-2 sec difference, which was totally believable to me when I drove the F56 (auto) and GTI (DSG) back-to-back. More lag in the GTI, though.</p>
<p>Matching the specs of my 07 Cooper S ($27k new) turns an F56 into a $32k+ car, but a GTI with identical specs (SE w/ Lighting, no Performance Pack) is only $29k and change. Which isn’t exactly easy to find out, since VW’s site doesn’t let you build cars anymore, which is insane. Still….GTI for me.</p>
<p>I purchased a ’15 GTI SE 4-door w/lighting pack and FCW. I didn’t plan on the assistance pack, but the car was so amazing and it had a manual so I just bought. Not to mention the FCW gives me a break on insurance so it was worth it and I like the parking sensors. A similar MCS with REAL LEATHER – backup camera, FCW, sports suspension, comfort access, parking sensors, xenons/LED’s, and 4-doors which is STANDARD on GTI – and 235hp as dynoed at the wheels by multiple sources – would cost over 34K in an F56/55. Not to mention the F55 looks like a minivan and still has that terrible looking front end. I traded my ’11 S hatch and haven’t regretted it at all. I was going to wait for the performance pack, but in typical MINI style the car kept needing service appts, and I didn’t want to wait any longer to drop that thing. VW is made so much better. The STANDARD touchscreen is fast, and has super HD graphics. It’s not even a close comparison between GTI MKVII and F56. MINI beat the MKV and MkVII with the R56, but they really lost me with this new model.</p>
<p>As much as I would like to disagree with everyone that sides with the VW, I have to say that the MINI aftermarket really slacks in the ability to tune the R56 and (hopefully not) the F56 cars. If anyone would or could produce software for the F56, a simple $500 tune would gain at least 50-60 HP and be right there with the GTI. The VW’s big advantage is the support for tuning on every A series platform ever launched. With the MINI, there hasn’t even been a mainstream software solution, or a big turbo kit. Until then, us MINI owners can only dream of 300hp as we peak at 250-260.</p>
<p><a href="http://m.autocar.co.uk/car-review/mini/cooper/first-drives/mini-five-door-first-drive-review" rel="nofollow ugc">http://m.autocar.co.uk/car-review/mini/cooper/first-drives/mini-five-door-first-drive-review</a></p>
<p>And even Autocar who is definitely pro-BMW and MINI, said not to buy the 5-door. That a Golf and even a Polo offer more for less.</p>
<p>Seriously? You uprate your own posts? Lame sauce! You sure sound like a whiner on here, if your GTI is so amazing, why do you insist on putting down the MINI and let the cars speak for themselves, find another board bro. Can I get you some cheese with that whine?</p>
<p>To the MINI faithful this is not surprising at all. Only MINI specific publications laud the F56. To everyone else the F56 is an overpriced underperformer. With the new golfs, Focus ST, and WRX there’s just no reason. When the R53 was out there just wasn’t as much good competition from an overall package, now there is. MINI’s made the car more grown up and ruined the fomula in the process. i think we need to see mini sales in europe, since we know they’re terrible here, which thus far they’ve been able to blame supply disruptions…</p>
<p>Also unmentioned in the above article, the GTI was using it’s “Standard suspension” not the sport or adaptable dampers either. MINI’s “sports package” is nothing more than an appearance package. It doesn’t offer an LSD, performance boost, or anything like larger brakes. The F56 is not a sharp tool like the Golf GTI. it’s sadly lost that.</p>
<p>It is so much wrong, my dear…</p>
<p>Just prior to this post…</p>
<p>30 — # of comments
11 — # of comments by James Hawthorne
4 — # of comments by next highest commenter (2 people tied)</p>
<p>39 posts and every one is anti-BMW/MINI. It’s pretty obvious what his intent is when he posts. He is yawn inducing at this point.</p>
<p>Magazine comparisons are always kind of a crapshoot. They very seldom compare apples to apples. BUT I think at this point we could safely say the reviewers prefer the GTI ( maybe with the exception of Tif @5th gear google it he had issues with GTI and electronic nannies).</p>
<p>I keep looking at both cars, well I try to both seem to be in short supply at dealers in my area…..but I’m just browsing for now anyway. What I come back to is even if the VW is “better” I’m not sure I want one. Judging from the comments left by those who did buy one I don’t think I want to be associated with that owner group (something I thought before but they keep reaffirming for me)</p>
<p>Mmmm, here in the Netherlands a mini Cooper S isn’t compared with a Golf GTI, as they are different cars in different segments. On the comparison tests we compare the mini with the same type of cars, like VW Polo GTI, Ford Fiesta ST, Renault Clio Rs, Audi S1, etc…..can’t recall a comparison with Golf GTI’s, Ford Focus ST, Renault Megane Rs, etc.</p>
<p>Better is all relative. I have both a GTI and a R53 which is being traded in for an F56. I did look at an additional GTI. Problem is the VW production/distribution model stinks. It is still the same as it was back in the 70’s. VW decides on how many of x design with y features it is going to make and distribute in North America. Getting your hands on model X with specific Y features is extremely difficult.
Yes you can walk into your VW dealer and request it. They then have to locate one and make a deal with the dealership which got allocated it and you end up paying a premium for it.
MINI will let me configure a model which will make me happy and end up at my dealer without having to settle options z I did or did not really want. Yes,one is currently more powerful and has a long standing moding community, but that does not always translate into a satisfying vehicle. Still, I’m both a MINI and VW Golf GTI/R fan. Buy the car that makes you happy… Scr*w the magazine comparisons.</p>
<p>Unfortunately I’m going to have to agree with this review. Just up front: I’m a huge MINI fan. I loved my R56 dearly until it ate it’s timing chain due to a good-willed timing chain fix that went wrong. I couldn’t stay away from the mini family so now I have a brand spankin’ new R58 JCW on order. It can’t come soon enough.</p>
<p>On my road to the R58 choice, I naturally checked out the F56. I also own an MK5 GTI which I’ve gotten good miles out of so I naturally went to try the MK7 GTI as well. Granted I’ve only gone on test drives, but that’s enough to tell part of the story. I wanted so badly for the F56 to be the car of my dreams but it just wasn’t. A few issues:</p>
<ul>
<li>All F56 test drive cars at my dealer have all-season tires</li>
<li>All test drive cars at my dealer have stock suspension a few had DDC</li>
</ul>
<p>So the one I took out had stock suspension, all-seasons. I didn’t bother with DDC since motoringfile said it wasn’t as stiff as sport. I tried my best to get a test drive in an F56 hard top with sport suspension, but the dealer only gets those cars as “order only.”</p>
<p>The F56 is a great car, IFF you’re looking for a miniature BMW 328. The car drives great, smooth, quiet, handles well, but not too bouncy. Very luxurious inside. However I believe MINI has removed the sporty edge of the car vs the R56. This makes sense since I’m sure their internal data shows that most buyers aren’t hardcore driving enthusiasts. The number of MINI fans that are is most likely lower compared to the typical buyer.</p>
<p>The the car felt way slower than my old R56. I’m not sure why, most likely weight, but it seems there isn’t that much weight difference. The engine is way too quiet. It’s unfortunate for MINI because they could have had my money. The styling while new and controversial is good in my mind, and the interior is a great place to be. The sport seats are unmatched at that price point. Try them, if you don’t agree you’re nuts. I ruled it out because it was too soft, and felt slow to me.</p>
<p>Regarding the article. It’s not apples to apples. The GTI in the article has sticky tires, the performance pack (with a real LSD). The mini has the EDLC which is inferior.</p>
<p>According to vw.com the GTI weighs 3031lbs in the 4-door. The F56 is 2760 power to weight ratio is 14.60, the GTI is 13.77. So the advantage is real, coupled with the LSD, and the summer tires, yes the MINI will get smoked.</p>
<p>If the publication did a stock GTI (no PP) vs MINI with sport suspension + summer tires then you have a more comparable pair. The GTI I test drove though felt very sure-footed, and cornered very flat compared to the stock MINI suspension. It also had a great sound, and pulled very well. So I wouldn’t be surprised if the stock GTI is a tad bit faster in the curves. It’s a great chassis. Would I buy the GTI? Probably not. I considered it briefly then read all the problems on vwvortex. (Unpainted parts of wheels, shipping spacers not removed, other problems, QC is horrible on those cars). Mini isn’t perfect either, but I guarantee my R58 on order will have less problems than a ’15 GTI.</p>
<p>I also briefly considered a ford fiesta ST, which was a blast to drive, better than the F56 in my opinion, but couldn’t get over the lousy interior, and I read some stories of the car overheating on the track.</p>
<p>While I enjoy my R58 I will wait and see what mini does with the F56 JCW. If they put some good power, a decent suspension and an LSD, I’ll most likely get one. But we’ll see. I hope MINI reads this because they need to get on the phone to borg warner or whomever is supplying the LSD to the GTI guys, and get one of those slapped on the F56 JCW right away.</p>
<p>Gabe can you pick up the MINI bat phone to tell them to get a proper LSD in the JCW? ;-)</p>
<p>I’ve been telling them for years.</p>
<p>Well I just wonder why they are so resistant. I was frankly surprised VW is offering a proper LSD on the GTI. I think it’s great, and I hope a lot of other manufacturers of hot fwd cars follow suit (e.g. Ford, Mazda).</p>
<p>So Gabe, what would get you back into a MINI? I think right now you’re enjoying the future classic 1M. Do you miss your R56? Would you buy a F56?</p>
<p>Any new tantalizing details about the F56 JCW?</p>
<p>Why not test a F-350 against a Mazda Miata? How about a TESLA Model S vs a Semi?</p>
<p>COME ON! Spec the cars comperable and then we can compare and contrast.</p>