That's the "BINI" version of course and I blame the current issue's buyers guide.
Keeping in mind that I used to own a DC2 Integra Type-R and that didn't manage to convert me to FWD, is there a chance a Cooper S would?
Otherwise I'll just go back to looking for S2000s and Miatas 
.
Because they are fun??
Is this a trick question?
Maybe the same reason I am looking at them (although I prefer RWD). 
if you're going to have front-wheel motivation, it needs to be AWD......
SVreX wrote: Because they are fun?? Is this a trick question?
Only partially - I did drive a modded Cooper S once, at a track instruction day because its owner was wondering why he had trouble getting away from a bog standard NA Miata (admittedly that one was on coilovers) on a wet track, so we swapped cars.
The MINI had massive problems putting the power down in the wet, so the lower power of the Miata was actually an asset in this case...
Miata isn't girly enough for you?
The answer is always Miata 
You might find the MINI is good for snow in your parts
If the Type Argh didn't convert you the MINI won't either.
DaveEstey wrote: If the Type Argh didn't convert you the MINI won't either.
In that case I guess MINI is off the menu again.
The fat, sticky tires are pushed out to the extreme corners of the car. Need I go on?
just get the all 4 version! awd cooper s!
Yuck. They look awful.
I really want to like the Mini but everytime I've driven an S I was totally underwhelmed with the power and handling. Stock NA Miata is way more fun.
Am I the only one who doesn't really care whether a car is rwd or fwd? I mean, sure, the rwd is fun for donuts and dorifto king, but every configuration is fun to drive fast.
Right?
Lugnut wrote: Am I the only one who doesn't really care whether a car is rwd or fwd? I mean, sure, the rwd is fun for donuts and dorifto king, but every configuration is fun to drive fast. Right?
I could care less about a cars drive wheels. If it's well sorted, I'll like it. I've driven crap RWD cars and crap FWD cars.
I am biased driving a GTI but still..fun is fun.
Lugnut wrote: Am I the only one who doesn't really care whether a car is rwd or fwd? I mean, sure, the rwd is fun for donuts and dorifto king, but every configuration is fun to drive fast. Right?
You are not the only one. I have a 2003 MINI S, heavily modified, and a 1994 Miata, nearly stock. I have autocrossed both (and tracked the MINI a bunch too). Both cars are FUN.
I do in fact lust for a RWD car with BIG power though. Oh, and I really should have a 4wd car at some point as well.
Lugnut wrote: Am I the only one who doesn't really care whether a car is rwd or fwd? I mean, sure, the rwd is fun for donuts and dorifto king, but every configuration is fun to drive fast. Right?
I care. FWD just sucks the fun out of it for me but admittedly I like to slide cars around. They are fine for general driving but I have never looked for one as a toy.
Interesting. I wouldn't say the driven wheels are what suck the fun out of a car for me. But I also can't slide a car around on the way to work, even if I take the twisty way.
I don't like fWD cars either. But I do like my 06 Cooper S.
I don't "not care", I like FWD. Not necessarily more or less than RWD, it's just a different driving style. In my dream garage I would have both (actually I do have both right now.) You have a different bunch of tricks up your sleeve and can do some things that RWD won't let you get away with (like mashing the throttle mid corner to spool up a turbo, taking advantage of the inside wheelspin rather than fighting it...) I've driven some crappy RWDs that I would take a competent FWD over any day, and of course vice versa.
One of the interesting debates related to this subject has often be illustrated by the RWD Joe Huffaker Mini, versus the Doug Peterson FWD Fortech Mini at the SCCA Runoffs. Some years back, the SCCA allowed builders to convert the classic Mini to RWD with a north-south engine (so, in effect, it is similar to a Spridget with a roof).
Huffacker RWD Mini
corytate wrote: just get the all 4 version! awd cooper s!
WTF are you talking about? 
I probably have more experience with MINI's than almost anyone else who doesn't really own one (my g/f has a '03 MCS w/ mods for a DD and together we have a '07 Cooper convertible). Like pigeon, I like the idea of owning one more so than the actual experience... I enjoy driving the car once in awhile and I usually DD the '07 when I'm working on the TDi. However, after a week or so, I'm very happy to get back into the VW.
I haven't really driven an R56 yet, but from what I've been told, they feel more "VW-ish" so I may like one. They get better mileage as well. I just wish the interior were a little nicer.
FWIW, the buyer's guide is very incomplete and would not base any purchasing decision on the info there. Frankly, given that MINI's have been in the GRM fleet, I was more than a little surprised. Start with MotoringFile.com then go to NorthAmericanMotoring and MotoringAlliance for better MINI info.
In reply to Ian F:
FWIW, the buyer's guide is very incomplete and would not base any purchasing decision on the info there. Frankly, given that MINI's have been in the GRM fleet, I was more than a little surprised.
Yeah, I was shocked about all the stuff they left out. They pointed out stuff like door handle cables stretching but didn't mention the common early failure of the $7K CVT transmission.
Everyone needs to own at least two cars. A FWD for daily driving and inclement weather. A RWD for fun. Although, I have had a lot of fun with my FWD cars. Track days, ice racing. RWD sucks on the ice unless HEAVILY modified.
Lugnut wrote: Am I the only one who doesn't really care whether a car is rwd or fwd? I mean, sure, the rwd is fun for donuts and dorifto king, but every configuration is fun to drive fast. Right?
Personally, I am looking for a right wheel drive car. Front and rear wheels driven, but only on one SIDE of the car.
DaveEstey wrote: If the Type Argh didn't convert you the MINI won't either.
This. Hugely. I would take the Pirate Integra over a Mini any day.
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