Mini Cooper S vs 318is: Which should I get?

[kishg]

A JCW for $11k? Either it's not really a JCW or it's beat to hell with a salvage title.

+1

base coopers in decent shape are going for this..

[zhp43867]

A JCW for $11k? Either it's not really a JCW or it's beat to hell with a salvage title.

Nope I'm just good. 2 owner, 90k miles. The mini actually has a LOT of carbon deposit issues. Most minis over 120k have had a motor replacement or need one. I work on my own cars thanks.

[Julien]

^data to back this claim?

[z31maniac]

Nope I'm just good. 2 owner, 90k miles. The mini actually has a LOT of carbon deposit issues. Most minis over 120k have had a motor replacement or need one. I work on my own cars thanks.

If you're so cool, knowledgeable, etc.

Why are you asking this question on a forum?

DIAF.

[e30trooper]

get the e30, drop in a m/s5x , and some lil stuff, youll still lots of cash left and youll eat up a mcs

[zhp43867]

I was kidding about being "good" Sarcasm doesn't go too well on a forum. I was asking a question, wasn't looking for people to correct everything I said.

^data to back this claim?

It's on CL, if I decide I don't want it I'll post a link but not until then ;). The claim of many mini's having motor replacement or needing them is readily visible in the more honest for sale ads on namotoring. At the least a new S/C, the 15K oil change I think is killing the engines. Search around a little more and you'll find a lot of crossover in issues with the 1st gen cooper s.

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/stock-problems-issues/175340-intake-valve-deposits.html

[theox69]

Nope I'm just good. 2 owner, 90k miles. The mini actually has a LOT of carbon deposit issues. Most minis over 120k have had a motor replacement or need one. I work on my own cars thanks.

If you could convert the Mini to RWD, and make it look like less of a chick car, get the Mini.

Otherwise, e30 ftw.

[freeski27]

I think an AWD mini would be intense... imo

[Jordan325iC]

If you really are going to make your car decision based on what other people are going to think of you... then you're a spineless waffleswaffleswaffleswaffleswaffles.

If you have some unusual preoccupation with absolutely not appearing gay to anyone, then you'd better get yourself an F650 so nobody gets suspicious.

[FredK]

oui

200 ft skidpad results from R/T:

318is: .83g
Mini JCW: .91g.

OWNED!!!





oh wait. :(

However, the stock 318is probably came with some BS treadwear 400 tires, like Michelin XGT-4 or something like that. IMO, on the streets, you aren't approaching under/oversteer. At least, if you were prudent, you wouldn't be.

No one is timing you to see how long it takes to get to the grocery store; instead, it's about the roar of a craptastic M42 ringing in your ears, the smell of a waterlogged and stained 318is carpet, and the clicking of the Karlyn control arms you scored for $115 shipped off Ebay making you wonder when they'll let go. With the MCS, you'll have none of these intrusions to take your attention away from texting while driving, and being on the lookout for cute boys to blow kisses at.

[FredK]

If you have some unusual preoccupation with absolutely not appearing gay to anyone, then you'd better get yourself an F650 so nobody gets suspicious.

How many MPG do you pull in that thing? :giggle:

[theox69]

No one is timing you to see how long it takes to get to the grocery store; instead, it's about the roar of a craptastic M42 ringing in your ears, the smell of a waterlogged and stained 318is carpet, and the clicking of the Karlyn control arms you scored for $115 shipped off Ebay making you wonder when they'll let go. With the MCS, you'll have none of these intrusions to take your attention away from texting while driving, and being on the lookout for cute boys to blow kisses at.

[Julien]

200 ft skidpad results from R/T:

318is: .83g
Mini JCW: .91g.

VW golf .82G
SELFPWNT :-(

and upgrading to the optional five-spoke aluminum wheels fitted with Michelin Energy 195/65HR15 all-season tires generates improved grip.

[Nic01101011]

you cant define a cars handling by total lateral Gs. my mkIV GTI pulled almost .9G in the corners, but it was still an utter boat.
i suspect an e30 with completely redone suspension(mainly new bushings) and modern tires would handle comparably to a new mini.

[Emre]

ouch!! what's up emre.. you're on a roll today ;)

Thank you. I'm here all week. :woowoo:

The E30 is cheaper to buy, RWD, arguably more practical, and has the potential to out-handle just about any car on the road (including the Mini). But it's an old car and will require lots of maintenance up front. And a 318is is going to be slow by modern standards.

I want a ticket to the world you live in

I think you missed the word "potential." I didn't say it handles better in stock form. But it certainly has the potential to do so. An E30 318is with Turner J-Stock springs, Bilstein Sport dampers custom valved to "Gruppe N" spec (or even "Firehawk" spec), camber plates, M3 control arm bushings, I.E. sways, quality 225/45-R15 tires, and a careful alignment can out-handle just about anything on the track. Certainly much better than a Mini on conventional suspension.

FWIW, my sister has a 2009 Mini and I've driven several examples of various Minis (including the Mini "G.P.") on the street and track. They're great for what they are...but they're still too front heavy and wrong wheel drive. A properly set up E30 is much more fun to 4-wheel drift through corners. YMMV.

i suspect an e30 with completely redone suspension(mainly new bushings) and modern tires would handle comparably to a new mini.

You suspect correctly. With the o.p.'s total budget of $13,000 (which is on the low side for a half decent Cooper JCW) he can build a monster E30.