Sorry for the exclamation points, but that's how I feel. For over a year now I was absolutely convinced an S was the car for me. Then I found out about the Works package. I own both the classic Italian Job and the new one. I've watched each one too many times. I spend most of my time googling to see what's new out there concerning Minis. Now I'm confused. Why?

Even though I'm from Chicago, I was at the Denver Auto Show Saturday night. I initially thought I was looking at your basic garden variety Golf. Un huh. It was an R32. If you haven't seen this thing yet or don't know what I'm talking about, it's a 240 horsepower all wheel drive, 18" wheeled, racing seat, huge front rotored beast.

I'm hoping that someone out there can start a sensible discussion about the relative merits here. Please. I've driven an S and a Works. I have not yet driven this car. Let's put it this way, the brain says R32 but the heart says Mini.

Any help?

Any body?

 

The only reviews I've read have been luke warm on the R32's driving feel. Sounds like a great car on paper, but maybe less than inspiring behind the wheel. I've driven some arguably "better" cars than the Mini that just put me to sleep, so the R32 may fall into that bucket. But if you're in snow country, it could be the ticket.

 

There's a quote I love but hate to bring into this conversation...

"If any part of your uncertainty is a conflict between the heart and the mind – follow your mind" - John Galt

If you can afford the R32 I would say go for it - It's got AWD, it's [relatively] easily tunable to over 300 hp if you want to go in that direction (because of the turbos) and Top Gear the Brit mags (Car and EV)O) seem to hail it as the king of Hot Hatches.

However you should know you won't get the same response from people that you'll get in a MINI, and people won't think you have an enormous *****.

And, the R32 doesn't have the same connection between the driver and the car. It's a wee bit sanitized and a little too smooth for some tastes. Personally I prefer the bouncy, sporty suspension of the MINI to the smoothness of the Golf. You can't go wrong with either one, so I think I envy your connundrum

 

If I were looking for a car now, the R32 would be near the top of my list. It looks great in red with the red roof.

 

Wow, thanks. That's the kind of help I'm looking for.
I probably won't get a chance to drive one for a few weeks, but if you all don't mind I'll let you know what I think then.
It probably does not have the driving personality of the Mini. It also would probably look kind of stupid with a German flag on top!

At any rate, XAlfa brings up a good point about snow country. I'm selling my Saab 9-3 Viggen for what ever I get next (long story). This car is fantastic in the snow with winter wheels and Hakapilata Qs on all 4 corners. I'm presuming the Mini is just as good with a set of proper winter tires at all 4 corners. Is that true? :smile:

 

I'd have to drive the Evo and Sti first. I have always liked the VW Golf's looks, and the latest Gen's restyling is attractive IMO. That price range has a LOT to offer though, including a Stage 2 SRT-4

 

Today I had a chance to test drive the WRX STi and - WOW! Why? I asked myself. Although JCW is relatively less hp than STi, MINI reflects performance refinement with all the BMW technologies, along with luxury amenities like heated seats, auto AC, sunroof, et... Overall, MINI is a balanced performer and much more fun to drive than the STi, IMO. I don't know about VW, but I personally still prefer JCW over the STi.

 

In 2000, I owned a new BMW M Roadster. 240HP. Lots of power and lots of fun.
0 to 60 in under six seconds. I kept the car for about a year, and sold it because it was at the time my everyday driver. Turns out it just was not to practicle with only two seats and a small boot.

Now I have a stock 03 MCS. As much as I liked the M, I would not trade my MCS for the Roadster. Now the stock MCS won't push me back in the seat like the M did, but still the MINI is MORE FUN overall to drive. Plus the M was over $40,000 and my MCS was $25,000. The difference in price to me does not seem worth it to just to get more HP IMO.

 

The R32 is the GTI that VW should and could have given us 4-5 years ago!

 

Oh, I loved that 9-3 Viggen, it had all the fixes for the drivability problems my SE Turbo has, which is now my winter beater here in Northern Michigan.

If you are going to race the car, that may slant your decision. Yet we hear time and again driver ability is more important than the cars capability.

My $.02

 

The R32 is faster around a track than the MINI, but "surprisingly detached"

I'm still a fan though. It would be cool to slap a few Evo and STi drivers in the face with a GOLF.

Stealth baby. Nothing like it. Get one in Navy Blue and nobody will know what hit them.

 

It's all about personality (well, not completely, but it REALLY makes a difference!). The MINI has somethin that NO car out there has. Some people just don't understand until they either see one, drive one, or own one. The Volks is nice, but its missing that charisma that the MINI has. It's ultimately up to you, don't let the haters on here who complain about cupholders (although they are few) ruin your opinion of the MINI, but do listen to those who have the fever!

 

If you get the R32 you won't be having a HOOT in a MINI

 

I got the opportunity to ride in an R32 a month or so ago. At a local Euro meet someone had a brand new R32, he asked if he could get a ride in my mini so I took him around the block and showed off the minis great handling. He liked the mini and said he would give me a ride in his R32...boy was it fast! I was glued to the very comfy racing seats and the needle went up to 100mph in no time! :smile:

 

They imported 5000 of the R32's . In Lancaster Pa while on a test drive a Red R32 was rolled, 4999 R32's left. As I have read on here many times "Driving school" the best MOD for the money.
My boys think I should buy an R32 for fun....NO!! I like the MCS-It just feels right :smile:

 

Go for the MINI there is nothing like the pride of ownership and the friends you R32 is a great fast car but its not a MINI it doesn't come close to having the history or the following of a MINI.

 

MCS $19,899 2,513 lbs

R32 $29,100 (+46%) 3,409 lbs (+36%)

Pretty different beasts.

 

Well, I started this thread, so I figured I should probably bring some closure to it.

Last Monday I feel like I had an affair. True, it was only a one-night stand, but it was still an affair never the less.

I went and actually drove the R32. Oh My! Does that thing scoot! The Miata is no longer for sale. I'm no longer looking at VW web sites and I'm back spending all my free time here. I'm no closer to actually putting a deposit down, but it's going to happen, and it's going to be a MINI. So, hope you'll all have me back in the fold.

 

Hunter, welcome back to NAM! :smile:

 

I've had a chance take a new C5 Corvette home for the weekend....you guessed it...it stayed in the driveway. Sure, it's a rocket and by all accounts, it handles as well as any car in it's class. But it put me to sleep

 

I have to agree w/ sketchedin, the thing about our choice of car is its appeal. There are cars 3 times as expensive which hold zero appeal for me, so there are elements besides raw speed and price which really can't be measured. I still love it each and every time I get behind the wheel of my PS/B MC. The quote about trusting your mind over your heart doesn't do it for me at all. I didn't think about wanting a MINI, it was love at first sight, and over a year later, I haven't regretted any part of owning my Cooper instead of something faster.

 

>>
>>MCS $19,899 2,513 lbs
>>
>>R32 $29,100 (+46%) 3,409 lbs (+36%)
>>
>>Pretty different beasts.
>>

SO, the MCS is $7.92 per pound and the R32 is $8.54 per pound.

Lower price AND BETTER BUY!!

Earl

 

ok the MINI is not 4or all wheel drive,but if you learned to drive in the snow, the MINI is fine .I just went through my first prairie winter,with my MC ,on the stock all seasons,never got stuck,car started at -40 and colder after sitting over night.The only issue was snow getting in door handles,but my MINI tech. figured this out,and now that I know to get the snow out of there no more problems with doors not opening.The handles and latches wern't freezing the snow in the handle would not let the mech.inside the door cycle.

 

>> I haven't regretted any part of owning my Cooper instead of something faster.

I did start wishing I owned something faster... so I got a Works S!

I test drove a few other "competitors" (RSX, WRX, RX8, older 3-Series and A4, etc) before ordering the new S, mainly because I felt I had to. All had their good points, but none had the same "intensity" of the Mini. I'm not even that big a fan of the Mini's design but, at street-legal speeds, the driving experience rules.

 

I'm not even that big a fan of the Mini's design but, at street-legal speeds, the driving experience rules.

And THAT....is the end of that......well put.