Do all Mini owners refer to their car as a "sports car", or perhaps a "sporty" car? I know some people have a very narrow definition of what a car must be to be called a "sports car".

 

I consider my MCS to be a "fun" car. I have explained it to people as "a car that handles like a go-kart and goes like a scalded cat."

 

I think most people would refer to it as "sporty" or just "fun." I think the true definition of "sports car" is pretty narrow these days...probably a backlash against all of the ridiculous cars that tried to use the sport label over the last few decades (sport sedan? What the...?).

Here's a simlar question: Does anyone out there consider a Porsche Boxster to be a "sports car"?

 

My favorite definition of a sports car came from the 1960's journalist , Mr. Gregor. He said, "any car that makes me forget my cigarette habit is a sports car." (He was a notorious smoker.)

Sometimes I forget to eat when I'm driving my MINI.

It passes my definition of being a sports car.

 

"Sport" is entirely overused and ill defined nowadays. Most would consider the MINI as a 'sport sedan' but not really a sports car in the classic sense.

Is a Lincoln Navigator really a 'sport' utility vehicle? For that matter, what about 'utility'? Most use them as way oversized station wagons or status symbols.

 

^ would not 'sport hatch' be more accurate?

eh...now we're splitting hairs, aren't we?

i think it sort of defies categorization.

 

I've always defined a true sports car as a smaller two seater (in most cases), designed for performance and handling, as opposed to luxury and smooth ride..though if you have enough money you can get both in the same package. Most are convertible, but that's not a mandatory requirement. Of course these rules are not written in stone as there's always exceptions. For example, the XKE 2+2 has four seats and the Viper is not small. To me the Boxster is a sports car. The MINI is not. If I had to peg it down, I'd say it was a sports hatchback.

 

I agree wit Moorlockx - it's hard to be definitive nowadays but it began with 2 seaters, and then 2+2.

The only qualification I worry about is the insurance company's. They don't qualify the Mini as a sports car so it's not. Whew! Now I can have more fun for less dough! :smile:

I find it hard to believe anything with 4 doors is a sports car, but then there's the Mazda RX8 so... whadaya goina do?

 

I think the answer is best determined by how you drive it!

 

I've always liked "pocket rocket"

 

The traditional definition of a sports car:
A sports car defined might be "a small car that is rear-wheel drive that seats two people and has, most often, a
retractable top made of fabric." Something impractical and very fun to drive, usually fast with great handling.

I found this in a bimmer site:
In Reply to: Why is a 3-series not a sports car? posted by Mark M on March 18, 2001 at 11:59:57:

(posted from: 128.los-angeles04rh15rt.ca.dial-access.att.net (12.80.54.128))
The traditional (and outdated) definition of a sports car is a two-seat open-cockpit car with little concessions made for comfort/practicality, and can be competive in a race when necessary. Do note this definition came about when:

1. Any car that wasn't a GT car was a competitive sports/race car.
2. Nobody knew that a closed cockpit could be designed to enhance structural solidity, and hence improve performance.
3. You needed two seats because you had to have a navigator. What's a superspeedway?

 

I don't know if the MINI is a sports car, but I know that it is closer to the definition than the Porsche Boxster. I drove my uncle's Boxster and the only good thing about it was that it made me thankful to be able to motor my MINI everyday! I think in the latest Sports Car International Magazine they condsider the Boxster the ultimate sports car (BS), but say that the MINI is covered in their magazine because "it's so much damn fun to drive." That's good enough for me.

 

To answer the Question :smile:?.NO

It's an econo-compact coupe/hatchback :smile:

or

just plain FUN :smile:!

Peace,
D

 

:smile: :smile: :smile:

Also I don't care if it's a sportscar or fun car or hatchback or what ever. Just as long as my insurance company doesn't classify it as a sportscar I'm fine. :smile: :smile: :smile:

 

I disagree with D. There's nothing econo about 24 MPG and a whopping 20k+ price tag. Yes, the car is capital F-U-N and it is also, in my mind, a "sports car".

How can a car that out slaloms all but 4 production cars not be considered a sports car?

Happy Motoring!
Dominic

 

>>I drove my uncle's Boxster and the only good thing about it was that it made me thankful to be able to motor my MINI everyday!<<

I never said the Boxster was a "good" sportscar, just that it was one.

 

INDEED! Check this out--POrSche-- hehe, immaturity at its finest, folks

 

Any car looks faster, feels faster, drives faster than the majority of same class models are call as "Sports Car"

MINI, BMW3 and a Monte carlo in a line, MINI is a sports car, BMW 3 is a sporty car, Monte Carlo more like a "American only" race car.

A lot of people put focus, neon and MINI into a same category, MINI will be a pure sports car compare with others.

There are many way to make a judgment about sports car, but the final answer always you. how do you feel about your car. It is not first time i have heard people think the MINI is a over 30K Luxury sports car.

 

My Mini Cooper S looks like a stylish economy car but it drives and feels like a sports car.

So the answer to the question depends on whether your reference point is inside or outside of the Mini!

 

>>My Mini Cooper S looks like a stylish economy car but it drives and feels like a sports car.
>>
>>So the answer to the question depends on whether your reference point is inside or outside of the Mini!

Lets look at the MINI product line worldwide (US being too small and doesn't really include the full range)

MINI ONE- Definitely an economy car with sports styling. Still fun to drive but it is the lowest cost some $1500 less than the closest model.

MINI Diesel- Not as cheap but great diesel gas mileage at 54 mpg. So still a sporty economy car. Still handles well and fun to drive but lacks get up and go on uphills.

MINI Cooper- Not too expensive (moderately priced), fun and handles well, not underpowered at speeds less than 50 mph and decent overall mileage although not as strong as the other models- maybe 34 mpg.

MINI Cooper S- the closest to being a sports car at this time until the convertible arrives. Certainly from the drivers seat it feels like a sports car. At $25,000 fully loaded it isn't really in the economy range anymore.

Here's your assignment. Check around and see what you might call another good example of a sportscar for under $25,000. Miata? Sentra SpecV ? Acura RSX (maybe over the limit). I wouldn't call any of the Civics sportscar.
Maybe the old CRX (corrected from mistyped CRV). How about a used MR2?



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just came back from barnes and nobles where i was reading 'consumer guide's 2003 car guide'.

it had the mini in the "sporty coupe" category, i believe, which included celica, new vw bug, acura rsx. rsx was rated "best buy in category" with all the others being "cg recommended". highlights include, i believe, a 9-10 out of 10 score in the handling/response category. lowlight was 2 out of 10 in rear seat comfort.

anyways, how does that category fit? i think it's a pretty good description.

btw, the lexus is300 was placed in a 'near luxury' category? yeah, some very unique categories, i must say.

 

>>just came back from barnes and nobles where i was reading 'consumer guide's 2003 car guide'.
>>
>>it had the mini in the "sporty coupe" category, i believe, which included celica, new vw bug, acura rsx. rsx was rated "best buy in category" with all the others being "cg recommended". highlights include, i believe, a 9-10 out of 10 score in the handling/response category. lowlight was 2 out of 10 in rear seat comfort.
>>
>>anyways, how does that category fit? i think it's a pretty good description.

I suppose if you think of coupe as being two door sedans then that is close except the Cooper is a hatchback.

I am not a great fan of Consumer Guide or Consumer's Report. It seems that have a certain type of ideal car they are after and if you are not quite doing it for them then they rate you lower- seem kinda arbitrary and subjective.
So if you look at what they rate highly or highest then we should all go and buy the Toyota Camry but it is such a blah car that has no uniqueness to it even in SE version- so "built for the masses"- such is the opposite of the MINI.

>>btw, the lexus is300 was placed in a 'near luxury' category? yeah, some very unique categories, i must say.
It's more of a sport luxury coupe- just check out the $33,000+ sticker price. I think the MINI might have more interior space than the IS 300. By the way in europe they have the IS 200. What's that? An economy luxury coupe?

 

C/R reviews are great for the soccer mom set, but us enthusist types will always be gritting our teeth at them.... (and did they actually sit in the back seat? Yes, your legs are stuck in place, but man, the seat is almost more comfortable than the front...)

But I see it as the closest thing to a sports car for the price...

Rocketboy_X

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It's definitely NOT a sports car. Definitely. Just because the car handles well doesn't mean it's a "sports car." So by that definition, a Type R is a sports car, something I doubt but a few people would agree with.

Moorlox hit the nail on the head. It's got to be a 2 seater, convertible, with great handling and typically alot of power under the hood. It's this combonation that seperates it from mere small convertibles that handle well, like a Miata, and truly "sporty" cars like a 911 or Corvette.

It's a sport compact, pure and simple.

R

 

Dont care what its called, I call it "Mine" and God help the poor slob in the SUV thats
blocking my path, I'm going to pass ya, so just accecpt it.


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