I am new to checking out Mini Coopers, but they have caught my eye around town. I think it is cause they are so small and cool looking, it would be fun to have as a daily driver.

Right now I am driving an E46 M3 as a daily, but want something that has better gas mileage, and is a TON of fun to zip around town in. They remind me of a go-cart made street legal. This made me come into the mini forum

I have never driven a mini, and will probably go for a test drive soon.

Why do so many guys love the mini? How modable are they, and what are some numbers they can put down? Some guys say that the new model minis aren't as fun as the past generation...why?

Sorry for such nieve questions, but they seem like cool little cars, so I guess my research begins here!

-Kyle

 

The '02 through '04 MINI is highly mod'able. Cast Iron block and sturdy internals enable 300+ hp capabilities. The new one is very technologically advanced and will be a major challenge to modify. The '07 is more comfortable and more refined. Some enthusiasts don't like that. It is quicker through the turns with less oversteer and almost no understeer. Interior materials are higher quality in most areas. Improvements on the '07 are too much to list.
Northamericanmotoring.com
fireballed.com
dinancars.com

 

Just got my 07, drove it hard to work, a bit of understeer, but not too much un like regular front engine front wheel drive cars. Blast to shift through, just not used to the sensitive brakes yet.

 

here is mine:

 

The biggest problem I have with the '07, and the main reason why I didn't trade up, it's BIGGER...

 

Just get the GP and be done with it!

 

The new version is more like a Golf GTI than a Mini. It's too big, the super charged enginge is replaced by a turbo engine, which isn't as exotic, nice sounding or fun. The car is better, but only for average joe. For car enthusiats, the old Mini is still king of the hill.
Here's a picture of mine with a fresh set of tires and wheels.

 

I loved my mini!

 

Wheels turned out great!!!

 

Yeah they sure did, thanks for suggesting the wheels, I guess I owe you one

 

Buy me a beer if you come up to Stockholm someday!

 

Damn you! And here was about to plan out my next course of action with regards to modding or selling and picking up something or other...yes, GP...I know, fack! Felix, you're a bad influence

 

MotoRacer - If you want a real go-kart feel in a tiny car buy a vintage mini with the Mini-Tec v-tec swap. They sell cars that weigh 1500 lbs and have 200+whp for around 25-30k

 

Consider it done.