First let me start with a list of cars i've owned: '03 VW GTI 1.8T(chipped w/turboback), 99 M Coupe, and currently a 90 35IS. I'm looking to get into something new with a warranty preferably a hatch/wagon. So far the clubman is the most entertaining ride, a little small, but I think will do the job.

I've driven both, I like the linear power band, gas mileage, and cheaper price of the base engine. It feels like it gets up to speed nicely, but really needs to be rung out to get going in a hurry if needed. The turbo seems to go in whatever gear; just put the foot down. I'm not a huge fan of the turbo power band, but I am a fan of power.

Is it worth the extra 2.5k to get a the S? and if i do, should i get DSC or the limited slip?

Thanks,

potential new mini owner.

 

Hey blantonator, get the S, w/ LSD.

look at the list of cars you posted, then you want a base Cooper?..probably not

/thread

 

The dealer was trying to tell me that the DSC was better than the LSD, and the LSD wouldn't lock up in rain or snow...? My e30 has a LSD and its a life saver in the snow. He said i would really only see a benefit of the LSD if i was putting down a lot more hp. Thoughts?

 

The difference is actually $3.5K. From a purely cost standpoint, it is "worth it" in the sense that the power increase is substantial, and sinking $3.5K in performance mods into a base model won't even come close to approaching the power of the stock S. It is ultimately a question of how much you want the extra power (very few people actually need it). You titled the thread "Talk me into an S", which suggests that you do want the S but just want to justify it.

DSC is standard (I believe now actually required by law). If you order now you will receive a 2010 model, where the traditional limited slip is no longer available and replaced with EDLC, the electronically controlled version. Get it if your driving style is to accelerate hard enough out of corners that you might spin the tire on one side.

 

also, do the base and S have the same transmission? The S i drove felt a little smoother.

 

here's equally equipped base vs. S (w/LSD)

My 2009 MINI Cooper Clubman

Premium Package $1,250
Sport Package $1,500
Roof Rails $250
Bluetooth and USB/iPod Adapter $500

TOTAL MSRP AS CONFIGURED* $24,600





My 2009 MINI Cooper S Clubman

Black Bonnet Stripes $100
Premium Package $1,250
Roof Rails $250
Limited Slip Differential $500
Bluetooth and USB/iPod Adapter $500

TOTAL MSRP AS CONFIGURED* $26,950

 

The base and S transmissions are similar (same manufacturers) but not completely the same. There are differences in gearing and strength to match the different engines.

Your sales person seems a bit confused about the details. LSD is no longer available for 2010. LSD is being replaced by the electronic version EDLC (electronic differential lock control), and the option also includes DTC (dynamic traction control). DTC should help you in the snow.

 

Just drive a Clubman S...the thing sells its self. MAKE SURE YOU PUSH THE SPORT BUTTON at a stop light half way through the drive. Then pony up the $3,500. I own a '05 MCS and now an '09 Clubman S and never regretted purchasing the S models.

 

I got my S a week ago today and I love it. I didn't test drive the regular clubby, (justa clubman) as I wanted the power - so far, it's quick, and I love it. Plus, you can work with the ECU to get some real power out of it from what I hear. I say if you can afford the extra 2.5k, go for it!

I've got the DSC, so can't comment on the LSD

 

GET THE S!!!!

YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!!!

 

Sounds to me like you might actually want a JCW...

 

have an mccs myself since 11/04/2008. had a loner mcc for almost a week whilst getting my anthracite headliner put in (long story) a month or so ago. same model year, same color, base config, basically no options at all. no contest. get the mccs. more fun to drive. more responsive. more better still.

 

I drive a Justa and it's fast enough for me. The S will definitely be faster, but the Justa isn't a slow car at all. It's really about how much power you want in the car, and no one here can tell you if the difference in power between the Justa and an S is worth the few thousand dollars.

 

The S is worth it.

 

I have JustaClubman, and I completely agree with JTC. The power is fine with me, even with an auto. The Clubman is still a hoot to drive, regardless of S or Justa because of the unbelievable handling.

However, based on the previous cars you have owned, you might want to consider the S or maybe even the new Mazdaspeed3, if you can live with the grill. The 3 vs. the S is very close, from a price standpoint, but the tradeoff is a lot worse gas mileage in the 3.

 

I had a 99 M Coupe as well. You will want an S or even JCW. For me, Mazdaspeed has too much power to those front wheels which can be a challenge. I also feel the same way about a chipped S. But either way, drive both and go for what you like.

Other cars I've owned include 2 S4 Avants (B5 and B7) and Track 350z in terms of sports cars. The clubman is just as fun as most of these based on its own attributes....

 

honestly, I'm ok not having the huge power. Mostly it just got me tickets. Right now 140 whp in a 2700lb package seems just about perfect, which is why I'm up in the air here.

 

Then is sounds like you want the S, since the Cooper Clubman puts about 100HP to the ground (on a good day.)

 

If this will be your only car, get the "S".

I purchased the base, and it's fine to me. Tho I got it for 4 main reasons....

1.) Gas milage. We all know that gas will go back up to $4 a gal, it's just a matter of time.

2.) Character. Just because the Mini is special, Looks good and handles like a Go-Kart with a top.

3.) Uniqueness <sp?> Not too many on the road, and it gets a lot of looks.

4.) The base will be cheaper in the long run, as the "S" costs more to maintain, and with the turbo, just something else to go wrong later, not to mention just a tad cheaper on the Insurance.

Not to say....(heh) ...I have a 2006 Mustang GT in the garage, and if I want Raw Horsepower, I'll open the garage door.

 

I cruise at 65-69 on the freeway. The car is quick, not fast. That being said, I do appreciate the additional power afforded by the S in merging/pasing situations.

As for gas, the base Clubman still takes premium and I'm not sure sure it gets that much better mileage. I average combined 30 MPG in my S. I zip around a bit more on the streets and get excellent freeway mileage...

 

We test drove both and have been driving the S since last October. It is good for lane changing/passing (plus lots of fun!). Over the past year-ish, we've been getting really good mileage, especially considering we drive the car pretty hard and fast . On our trip home from picking it up in Vegas, we got 37 mpg (going fast through the desert) and last week coming home from Arizon, we averaged about 35 mpg - again doing 90 to 95 mph.

 

Yes, yes, and yes, respectively.

Seriously, I think you answered your own question: you like having the power. (The naturally aspirated 1.6 justacooper engine is a little underpowered for my taste.)

DSC is a safety feature, and I recommend it; you can disable it for track/autocross/etc.

Limited slip seems to be a preference thing ... I have it and am glad I do, but not everyone loves it.

 

The S feels soooo good to drive.

 

bummer the base takes premium as well. So I'm in for the turbo... still deciding on clubman vs. mk6 golf tdi... decisions....

 

I might get shouted out of the forum, but I'm eying the new Golf TDI too. I miss my old mk4 TDI. The biggest bummer on it was when the price of diesel move from below regular to above premium in a few weeks. It stayed that way a long time before moving back down some. I doubt the new model will touch the mk4 for mileage. I regularly got 50mpg commuting. Given the power bump and improved emissions controls, 40mpg for the same drive would be it, I think.

It is odd that you are debating S vs. Justa Clubman AND considering a TDI. At least now I see where your 140bhp target is coming from. Note that the TDI is a massive car compared to the Clubman and probably weighs 20%-25% more. In almost every vehicle dynamics test the Justa will come out on top and the S will be much faster.