Mini Cooper S vs 3.2 Carerra
11-23-2005, 01:29 AM
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Mini Cooper S vs 3.2 Carerra
My friend just got a Mini Cooper S, 2002 well under $20K with 18k miles and under warranty. Nice looking car, although I have not yet driven it. Should I be envious of this car vs my 88 Targa? Envy is not the right term... but I need to be reassured why the Porsche might be the better car. TIA 
11-23-2005, 03:16 AM
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jwt, No, you should not be envious, but if it is killing you, clearly, get rid of the 911 & get a Mini. These vehicles are in different categories (Urban Sporty Box vs All Purpose Sports GT) & they are of different generations - built 14 yrs apart. Indeed, the Mini is a retromobile of a car that predates the 911 by only a few years. OK, here's a secret... the REAL Mini Cooper won the Monte Carlo Rally. Versions of your VERY car also won the Monte Carlo Rally... and LeMans... AND Daytona, & Nurburgring, Targa Florio...
If that still doesn't work, I'm afraid you will have to go out on an empty highway & run against your friend & his Mini up to the top speed of your car (145+). Don't look back, just keep going.
If that still doesn't work, I'm afraid you will have to go out on an empty highway & run against your friend & his Mini up to the top speed of your car (145+). Don't look back, just keep going.
11-23-2005, 10:53 AM
#5
Originally Posted by jwt996
My friend just got a Mini Cooper S, 2002 well under $20K with 18k miles and under warranty. Nice looking car, although I have not yet driven it. Should I be envious of this car vs my 88 Targa? Envy is not the right term... but I need to be reassured why the Porsche might be the better car. TIA
Buy the Mini and then go to Starbucks and buy a Venti Decaf Mocha Latte Low Fat Extra Foam...
11-23-2005, 12:15 PM
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Try both
They'll have to pry my '83 SC from my cold dead hands.
I ordered a base Cooper (arrives mid-December) for my daily driver "modern convenience commuter", it handles very well, is peppy for a 1.6L and has amenities I want. I never even drove a Cooper S because of the price point, I wanted to spend less and get new, and I know the S is substantially quicker but I'll be fine with the base Cooper. Base or S in my humble opinion can't compete with the raw connected visceral experience of the 911.
I'll have the best of both worlds.
I ordered a base Cooper (arrives mid-December) for my daily driver "modern convenience commuter", it handles very well, is peppy for a 1.6L and has amenities I want. I never even drove a Cooper S because of the price point, I wanted to spend less and get new, and I know the S is substantially quicker but I'll be fine with the base Cooper. Base or S in my humble opinion can't compete with the raw connected visceral experience of the 911.
I'll have the best of both worlds.
11-23-2005, 12:41 PM
#7
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Originally Posted by jwt996
My friend just got a Mini Cooper S, 2002 well under $20K with 18k miles and under warranty. Nice looking car, although I have not yet driven it. Should I be envious of this car vs my 88 Targa? Envy is not the right term... but I need to be reassured why the Porsche might be the better car. TIA
Christian
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11-23-2005, 08:09 PM
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I work at a MINI aftermarket products company (and my wife drives a MINI convertible) - the MINI's are definitely 'fun' cars, especially with some upgrades, but they are definitely very different. The MINI has modern conveniences, but I get much greater satisfaction after a 'spirited' drive in my P-car.
Just for your info, a MINI ran 163 mph in the silver state classic 1-mile sprint, and there is a MINI drag car running low 11's. Not bad...
Prefer my P-car
ken
Just for your info, a MINI ran 163 mph in the silver state classic 1-mile sprint, and there is a MINI drag car running low 11's. Not bad...
Prefer my P-car
ken
11-23-2005, 09:32 PM
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My wife has, and loves, a MINI Cooper S. I've driven, and grown to like it more as time has gone by. It is a fun car. Neat features, fun styling. The interior is a bit over the top and plasticky. Not as small as it seems.
Link to pics of her MINI - http://www.cardomain.com/ride/359067
But I always prefer to drive my 911 before the MINI.
Link to pics of her MINI - http://www.cardomain.com/ride/359067
But I always prefer to drive my 911 before the MINI.
11-23-2005, 10:27 PM
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mini S clutch is about $3K to replace.....................I work at a BMW dealer.
I belive no question is silly, but this one is close question, my GTI will blow the doors off of most P-cars in a straight line and down a mountain road. It's a blast to drive, but a Porsche it ain't.
A hotrod FWD car that handles like a go kart and a Porsce are at two extremes of the Automotive spectrum, kind of like comparing a Jeep to an Accord, they have a place for a key and gas, four wheels, and thats where the similarities end.......
I belive no question is silly, but this one is close question, my GTI will blow the doors off of most P-cars in a straight line and down a mountain road. It's a blast to drive, but a Porsche it ain't.
A hotrod FWD car that handles like a go kart and a Porsce are at two extremes of the Automotive spectrum, kind of like comparing a Jeep to an Accord, they have a place for a key and gas, four wheels, and thats where the similarities end.......
11-24-2005, 11:34 AM
#14
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I do like the Minis and may look at getting one for my DD when/if I tire of my Jeep. But... wouldn't get rid of the Porsche to get one... I have heard they are fun to drive, and I believe it. Just love driving the Porsche.
