My wife has always loved Mini(s) and has toyed with the Idea of getting one so she can learn to drive a manual.

She cannot drive our Ferrari, and we like to do Rallys and Ferrari events.

I drove my first Mini (2006 Copper S Convertable) on Thursday. It was awesome! What a fun car to drive!

I called her from the car and said to her
"we must get one they are so much fun"

After some advice from Mike at "Lucky Dog"

We went to a dealer here in MD yesterday and we both drove a couple of cars.

So now we are hooked, and plan on attending the Mini East 2006 event at Summit Point Raceway.

-Magnetic

 

sounds great!
now the pressing question: what ferrari do you have? If you're doing Rallys it sounds like a classic... but I've been wrong before

on your choice to look at the cooper. they are, in general, the most fun you can get for under $50k

good luck with the selection process!

 

Lower it to most fun under $40K, and I'm right there with you...

Under $50K??? Lotus Elise with a couple of options easily available NEW for $45K or so.

Owning both, as much fun as the Cooper S is, the Elise is that much more so.

May not compare on other scales, but on the fun scale...sunny day...winding road...couple of hours to kill...the Mini stays parked and the Elise gets driven.

But again, I'm right there with you if $40K is the threshold.

 

I thought that all Ferraris were F1 style paddle shifters.

 

I think your right, but im pretty sure it still has the clutch pedal (unlike an ///m3 or ///m5 with SMG)

 

Actually, all current models can be ordered in F1 or Manual.

We have a 550 Maranello, in Nero (Black) with the Fiorano Race Package.

-Magnetic

 

He drives a 550M. I have never seen that before. That car is gorgeous.

 

Umm post some pics!

-Cody

 

Will do, when I get home from work.

John

 

Excellent choice for at least a couple of reasons:
i) Minis are fun to drive, as you've found out.
b) Mini gearboxes and clutches are much cheaper to replace than those in Ferraris!

Back in the early 70's I had a friend in London who owned a 375 GTB4 (Daytona) in a gorgeous metallic sea green/grey colour. He only used it when he could be assured of safe parking at the other end, and drove a Mini, original version of course, otherwise.

Could be just the program for you and your wife too!

Neil
05 MCS
96 M3

 

Well, if she's like me she'll be hooked in no time. The BMW Driver's Schools are an absolute blast and a great place to learn control, etc. I'm going to an Audi one this fall so I'll have something to compare it to .
Just be aware that alot of them don't allow cabrios.
Can't wait to hear what you order!
Annette

 

Congrats! I look forward to seeing the pictures of the 550M and keep us updated on the MINI's (and your wife's) progress!

Mark

 

Are you home yet?

 

Yea I'm waiting too!

Seriously though....if your ALREADY posting on NAM while your at work......man are you in for it! You'll never be able to actually do "work" again!

-Cody

 

I just took these for posting here, so they are not the best.

John

 

So which cost more, a Mini or a Maranello clutch?

 

I vote for the MINI being cheaper. Well, maybe not a cabrio, but probably a MC with no options

...and to the pics...oooooohhh! shiny!

 

Maranello Clutch is cheaper.

A Mini Cooper S with the works is priced the same as a front brake job on a GTC brake equipped Ferrari(360 Stradale,575M, 612, Enzo,etc.)

That includes front rotors and pads(All Carbon) with labor

 

No, two pedals only. Stop and Go.
TCU and Motronic work together to release gas and engage clutch even when your foot is into it and you shift up on the paddle.

 

So if there is no clutch....why can't your wife drive the car?

-Cody

 

uhh.. a 550M doesn't have F1 paddles, at least not the 550M he has.

F355 F1, F360, F430, Enzo, F612, F599... have paddle shifters. (did I miss a model?)

 

Correct.

As far as which is more expensive, I priced the Carbon fiber factory pieces for the 550M at the dealer.
Shift ball, Center console, door sills, back of seats, gauges.

Total cost was $37k. No I am not kidding.

My car has it from the factory ($8k) option when buying the car, but $37k when retro fitting.

I wasn't sure I would find one with it already when I priced it.

The car is amazing, but I am serious when I say the Mini Cooper S Convertable I drove was amazingly fun.

Is anyone here going to the Mini East 2006 at Summit Point?

 

yup, you missed one, the 575M has the F1 system, and it's not an F599 its a 599 GTB, and its not an F612 it's the 612 Scaglietti. F is used on the mid-engined V8 cars, starting with the F40 in 1987. The 308, 328, and 348 were all mid-engined V8s also but without the F designation. The F50, F512M, and FXX IIRC are the only F cars with a V12s.

Steve

 

Am I missing a pedal in the picture? I only see two pedals, hence why I asked. It must be a full manual car then, correct?

-Cody

 

Love the gated shifter, just like all proper Ferraris should have.