R56 To "S" or not to "S"
#76
#77
My wife and I just got our non s clubman almost a month ago. She has a little over 2k miles on her. I am trying to decide if my MINI will be a s or non s cooper. With the options I want it’s about a 2000 difference between the two. I think the s will cost a lot more in the long run. It will have to get runflats while the non s can be replaced with normal tires , the insurance will be more, while we can get away with less that 91 on the non s I have heard the s needs 91+ and I would guess with the more powerful engine the repair and upkeep cost will be more. We went driving in the mountains with 3 other s coopers and were able to keep up for the most part. We had to work the 6 speed more and keeps the revs up but only on the up hills did we really feel the lack of power. Now that was about 100 miles or so out of the 2000 we have had her. I would assume the percentage where the s would make a difference will stay the same. Sure passing on a two lane is a lot easier and a run through the gears a lot quicker but we have enough problems with speed limits getting in the way with the non s. I don’t think there will be a time where you will NEED and S but there will be times when it would be nice. Only you can decide if those times happen enough to justify the cost. At this point I am still not sure which way to go. If money was no object it would be and S for sure.
#78
Money wasn't really part of the equation for me. Simply stated, when I put my right foot down I expect something to happen. The Cooper matched my expectation perfectly, the MCS offered something else. So I got a Cooper. Liked it so much I got a second.
Hey, it could be worse....if we got the One we'd have three cars to compare!!!!!!
Hey, it could be worse....if we got the One we'd have three cars to compare!!!!!!
#79
My wife and I just got our non s clubman almost a month ago. She has a little over 2k miles on her. I am trying to decide if my MINI will be a s or non s cooper. With the options I want it’s about a 2000 difference between the two. I think the s will cost a lot more in the long run. It will have to get runflats while the non s can be replaced with normal tires ,
the insurance will be more,
while we can get away with less that 91 on the non s I have heard the s needs 91+ and I would guess with the more powerful engine the repair and upkeep cost will be more.
We went driving in the mountains with 3 other s coopers and were able to keep up for the most part. We had to work the 6 speed more and keeps the revs up but only on the up hills did we really feel the lack of power. Now that was about 100 miles or so out of the 2000 we have had her. I would assume the percentage where the s would make a difference will stay the same. Sure passing on a two lane is a lot easier and a run through the gears a lot quicker but we have enough problems with speed limits getting in the way with the non s.
#82
Now that I have had my MCSa for a little over a month and coming up on 1000 miles. I have 2 feelings. For gas mileage wish I had gotten the non-S. I did get high 30's on my road trip though but city is a little lower than I would like. I could turn off the auto AC and get better but then what is the point in having gotten it. Now that is the only reason for non-S in my opinion. For everything else I am extremely happy with the S. The car is just so much fun and wants to go fast and zip around corners.
#83
#84
I run non-runflats on my 2007 MCS. I carry a slime/compressor and puncture kit in case of flats on the road. In most cases, slow leaks will have show up at home, or a little air will get you to a garage. Fast punctures can be dealt with by the compressor. Catastrophic tire failure would require a flatbed truck whether you have runflats, or not.
#85
just'aCooper Coupes come with a spare, but it is located where the MCs Coupes have their exhaust.
Would think that a ClubmanS could have a spare, given its non-centered exhaust.
Love my MCa (non-S), but test drive both and if you even 'think' you would need (or Want) that extra Power, go for it.
Turbocharge provides the best solution for combining High Performance with potential for excellent gas mileage (MPG's will be in your foot).
Would think that a ClubmanS could have a spare, given its non-centered exhaust.
Love my MCa (non-S), but test drive both and if you even 'think' you would need (or Want) that extra Power, go for it.
Turbocharge provides the best solution for combining High Performance with potential for excellent gas mileage (MPG's will be in your foot).
#86
#87
Yes, they show a lot of brake dust but clean up pretty easily. Not really any tight spots that are hard to clean on the Bridge Spoke.
#88
S or Non S
After driving both I choose the Non S. I did love the power of the S and several standard features of the S that I added to the Non S. But for every day driving the Non S suited me better. Things I like about the S - Sport Seats, Fog Lights 16" wheels. Things I like about the Non S Gas mileage, Spare tire (with Run Flats) less complicated up the road and hopefully more reliable. Things I added to the Non S - Sport Package, Arm rest, radio controls on the wheel, and premium package. I should have added the Hi-Fi Radio, rear fog lights and clear marker lights. Good Luck!
#89
#90
#91
#92
You must have an even heavier lead foot than I do. I've only ever managed to get down to 18.5 in an 05 S (Quentin). I averaged 22.5, and I thought that was bad. It takes a lot of fun to get down to the 18 mpg range.
#94
I run non-runflats on my 2007 MCS. I carry a slime/compressor and puncture kit in case of flats on the road. In most cases, slow leaks will have show up at home, or a little air will get you to a garage. Fast punctures can be dealt with by the compressor. Catastrophic tire failure would require a flatbed truck whether you have runflats, or not.
Check with your insurance company. Mine was quite reasonable.
They both want 91. The MC actually has a higher compression ratio than the MCS. So, they both like the expensive stuff. However, you are only talking a few $ per fill up. MPG between the two cars will differ by 4-6 mpg.
Nothing wrong with an MC, plenty of fun. You don't need the power of an S, it is just fun to have.
Check with your insurance company. Mine was quite reasonable.
They both want 91. The MC actually has a higher compression ratio than the MCS. So, they both like the expensive stuff. However, you are only talking a few $ per fill up. MPG between the two cars will differ by 4-6 mpg.
Nothing wrong with an MC, plenty of fun. You don't need the power of an S, it is just fun to have.
As for power, I have seen some pretty funny reasons why you need or don't need more HP. You could also drive a SMART car with 80HP anywhere in the USA, up any hill, etc...dosen't mean it would be fun. Sorry but for me I like to have the power for fun and when I need it.
#95
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My concern for the runflats isn't so much getting caught with a blowout (that's what Roadside Assistance is for). Instead, I hate the ride quality of the runflats and replacement costs are astronomical. Also, a nail puncture can necessitate a new tire. They suck and so does MINI and BMW for foisting these POS on us when Audi, et.al. have not gone this route. Now ask me how I really feel!
#96
My concern for the runflats isn't so much getting caught with a blowout (that's what Roadside Assistance is for). Instead, I hate the ride quality of the runflats and replacement costs are astronomical. Also, a nail puncture can necessitate a new tire. They suck and so does MINI and BMW for foisting these POS on us when Audi, et.al. have not gone this route. Now ask me how I really feel!
#97
Let me see if this analogy works - comparing the MINI model designations with a common American car, the Ford Mustang. But first you need to keep in mind that base "MINI" (non-Cooper MINI One) is not imported into the US. Thus, globally, the upgrade model comparisions are -
MINI One = base Mustang 6 cyl
Cooper = Mustang GT 8 cyl
Cooper S = SVT Cobra Mustang
John Cooper Works = Shelby/Roush/Saleen Mustang
If you think of it this way the "Justacooper" is already a performance upgrade model and should not be looked down upon as a base model. (Obviously this just a model nomenclature comparision and not a head-to-head comparison of the cars themselves.) So I don't think anyone with a Cooper needs to make any excuses. I know, easy for me to say since I own an S (but I wish I had a JCW!).
Sorry if this comparision has been made before.
MINI One = base Mustang 6 cyl
Cooper = Mustang GT 8 cyl
Cooper S = SVT Cobra Mustang
John Cooper Works = Shelby/Roush/Saleen Mustang
If you think of it this way the "Justacooper" is already a performance upgrade model and should not be looked down upon as a base model. (Obviously this just a model nomenclature comparision and not a head-to-head comparison of the cars themselves.) So I don't think anyone with a Cooper needs to make any excuses. I know, easy for me to say since I own an S (but I wish I had a JCW!).
Sorry if this comparision has been made before.
#98
Let me see if this analogy works - comparing the MINI model designations with a common American car, the Ford Mustang. But first you need to keep in mind that base "MINI" (non-Cooper MINI One) is not imported into the US. Thus, globally, the upgrade model comparisions are -
MINI One = base Mustang 6 cyl
Cooper = Mustang GT 8 cyl
Cooper S = SVT Cobra Mustang
John Cooper Works = Shelby/Roush/Saleen Mustang
If you think of it this way the "Justacooper" is already a performance upgrade model and should not be looked down upon as a base model. (Obviously this just a model nomenclature comparision and not a head-to-head comparison of the cars themselves.) So I don't think anyone with a Cooper needs to make any excuses. I know, easy for me to say since I own an S (but I wish I had a JCW!).
Sorry if this comparision has been made before.
MINI One = base Mustang 6 cyl
Cooper = Mustang GT 8 cyl
Cooper S = SVT Cobra Mustang
John Cooper Works = Shelby/Roush/Saleen Mustang
If you think of it this way the "Justacooper" is already a performance upgrade model and should not be looked down upon as a base model. (Obviously this just a model nomenclature comparision and not a head-to-head comparison of the cars themselves.) So I don't think anyone with a Cooper needs to make any excuses. I know, easy for me to say since I own an S (but I wish I had a JCW!).
Sorry if this comparision has been made before.
Now from a rolling start.....that would be interesting...I have a Twin Turbo C6 Corvette and know power but I have to honestly say I love driving my Mini as much as the Vette..
#99
Hows that for compromise?
BTW, yes... I have the LSD
#100