Comments on: MCS vs MC – RB write-up

By: Gabe

Gabe — Thu, 30 Jun 2005 20:11:57 +0000

Oh… forgot to answer your question. I saw just under 120. Supposedly the MC tops out at 125. Again this was done in a totally remote area on a flat straight road with no other vehicles nearby.

By: Gabe

Gabe — Thu, 30 Jun 2005 19:09:08 +0000

Yeah it was fairly positive and really a good read. Thanks for sharing it and thanks to Ian for hosting it.

By: RB

RB — Thu, 30 Jun 2005 17:05:02 +0000

It’s very hard to know the emotional set of an email isn’t it.

Rolling along in any MINI is very KOOL, don’t get me wrong my friend, I love them all. And what was your top end, if I may ask?

I think there is a clutch issue with this one. My dealer says no but under hard acceleration it seems like the clutch is trying to catch up kinda like an automatic feels when low on fluid.

I still feel I that my review was very complimentary to the Cooper.

’nuff said….

By: Gabe

Gabe — Thu, 30 Jun 2005 16:48:53 +0000

I can assure you that I didn’t mean to be defensive. I thought it was obvious i was kinda joking about the top speed thing. Yes I managed to get my car past 115mph (on an isolated highway in the desert of Utah with no other cars around) but none of that matters – in fact it’s all a bit ridiculous really. I just think it’s unfortunate that some people have so much negativity towards the MC. That coupled with a superiority complex (not talking about anyone here mind you!) from some MCS owners just make the whole issue a big eye roller.

By: RB

RB — Thu, 30 Jun 2005 16:11:49 +0000

Gabe, I felt my review was a very fair comparison of both cars in the limited scope of my time in both. I did start out with a preconceived idea the Cooper was less of a car but during my drive from Boston had that changed.

I even said………”I had always kinda looked down my nose at the COOPER but I must say I was impressed with it and could see why many people choose this car over the MCS but for shear butt kinking fun I’ll stay with my MCS, thank you.”

I’m glad your Cooper had a higher top end, I’m not doubting you, but this one was stuck at the 110 mark, with no head winds and on very flat terrain in Nebraska.

But that’s what “Comments” are for even if yours seem a bit defensive. Also I have never met anyone who has had a MCS that would change to a Cooper but maybe I like EGGS.

LOL…….RB

By: Gabe

Gabe — Thu, 30 Jun 2005 14:45:55 +0000

I actually the only top speed test I did was before I started modding. Anyway I still don’t see why you have so much negativity towards the Cooper. I’m certainly not the only one that has mentioned the surprising close low-end performance compared to the 02-04 MCS. I’m also not the only one that pronounced the Cooper to be the more pure drivers car.

I think the reason most people buy an MCS from a Cooper is that they would like to naturally step into the higher model or simply want something different. Just like I know a few people that have owned an MCS (one who even had a JCW MCS) buy a Cooper. The reason I now own an MCS… that’s what I always had wanted in the first place. Hell I had a deposit down for one in March of ’02 before being involved in a pretty ad accident and suddenly needing a car asap (hence the Cooper).

By: RB

RB — Thu, 30 Jun 2005 02:02:38 +0000

I also remember you had a better exhaust and maybe some other modifications that would help wit acceleration …..Huh, Gabe?

By: RB

RB — Thu, 30 Jun 2005 01:54:23 +0000

Including YOU.

By: RB

RB — Thu, 30 Jun 2005 01:53:10 +0000

Gosh Gabe, these are just my insights from an accumulated 6600 miles.

1. I just didn’t see the acceleration you and others talk of. Sorry. I found the ’03 MC to be a SLUG.

2. Remember this car had no run flats and no sports package. As soon as my wife took a ride in the MC she said, ” wow much quieter!”

3. gas mileage was pretty close to what you say, not much better.

4. I was running in a very flat part in Nebraska when I pushed the car as hard as I could and 110 was it. Your MC may have done better but this one couldn’t get above 110.

I’m sure there will be some folks who have MC’s that have gone faster and get better mileage but this is what I observed in my 2 journeys.

If the MC is so equal then why do most switch to an MCS?

By: gabe

gabe — Wed, 29 Jun 2005 21:59:37 +0000

Again I would have to disagree with you on the low-end acceleration. My old MC was always about as quick off the line as an ’02 or ’03 MCS. The gearing is really well done (depsite the gearbox giving very little positive tactile feedback). All that said. it’s no where near the ’05 MCS 0-60 times.

The other area I have to disagree on is the cab noise. The MCS is much more composed and quieter at highway speeds due to that 6th gear. The MC’s revs are just a little high and bring too much engine noise into the cabin at high speeds. Cruising at 90mph is just not as comfortable. And forget about accelerating from 90mph!

In terms of MPG – I’m seeing about 7-8 MPG difference from my ’02 MC ro the ’05 MCS. This is mostly in city driving.

110 eh? We’re you going up a hill??