124 replies to this topic

[cooperdan]

Do Mini's Really Handle That Well !


Yes

I quote the F out this....

9 pages must be kidding me,

[mab01uk]

UK Driver Power Survey 2011
"Our survey crowns Britain's best handling (modern) car, rated for steering feel and chassis balance."

Category: Handling
One of the most prestigious categories in Driver Power has to be the handling chart. The way a car can tackle a twisty road, navigate a sharp corner or even deal with an emergency lane change at motorway speeds is assessed and rated here. The key to a good score is a well-engineered chassis, accurately set up suspension and the correct wheel and tyre choice. The model at the top of this chart places its dynamic abilities at the very top of its priority list.

1. Mazda MX-5/RC MKIII = 96.39%
2. Mazda RX-8 = 95.32%
3. MINI One/Cooper/Cooper S Mk2 = 94.70%

Read more: http://www.autoexpre...l#ixzz1qSCUOVNT

[Ethel]

I think I may have accidentally described "handling" in 2 quantifiable components in my last post.

How quickly and consistently a car responds to steering input.
Its tendency to go in the direction it's pointing without any input from the driver.

[jaydee]

ive just got a mk1 Mazda MX5 and i got to say that the handling is absolutly spot on. But the only way i can say its any better than a Mini is that it soaks up bumps better. It terms of grip and how much you can throw it into a corner, then they are about the same.
I do like the rear wheel drive on the mx5 though, switching between understeer and oversteer by blipping the throttle round a roundabout.

You're the second one saying that about the mk1.
I've only driven the mk2, and, now that i recall the spec, it was on koni+eibach, and the handling was just FINE and not great, it was only a car easy to drive, but nothing special.
Maybe i need to try the mk1, there are a lot of differencies between them.

You may be interested in a couple of 5th Gear track tests of the new v old Mazda MX5's and 2010 MX5 v MINI Cooper S convertible below:

Not a fan of 5th gear, but, i have to say, you cant compare a roadster to a hatchback turned into convertible.
And after driving mazdas and new minis, i have to say i prefer the bini (not the convertible one).
But i'm still curious to try an mk1 mx5 ..
At a certain point, thinking about hard driving (trackdays etc..) handling becomes very subjective and depending on your driving style..i find the lotus elise just great, and i want to try the exige too..

Edited by jaydee, 29 March 2012 - 09:41 AM.

[Madabout....]

it's a shame they don't handle as well as most owners think they do

I think for many owners its all theyve ever known apart from things like low cost normal production cars. Ie foucs ect ect.Two cars that cost less then a decent mini are the mx5 mk1 with a decent set of coilovers and the rallye or 106gti.All of these cars will out handle and out grip a mini.

Uhm, i'm sceptic about the mx5 which seemed to me kinda plastic toy (it was mk2, never tried the mk1 thou), but yes the 106 is stunning.

My friend has an mx5 with these modifications.CamsITBSEngine managementCoiloversThen little cosmetic modifications.I was in the car when he demolosished a m3 csl down the 13 bends of death near us.But out the box, they dont handle too well!

I'm bumping this thread as it comes up when you google how well does a mini handle.

Having got mine about a week ago and today sorted out the slow punctures, borderline tyres I took it out amongst the country roads this evening.

Result I came back with a massive smile on my face like a Cheshire cat.

Mine is nothing special, only a £1200 buy stock 1991 Mini Cooper SPI that has MOT and tax but needs some TLC.

I'm into my mx5s and have 2 as modified probably further then the one mentioned above and just sold one set up by a Mclaren F1 engineer. However I take the comment above spot on and would really need to drive a stock mx5 to a stock mini as my initial feeling is the stock mini is a very able competitor.

When I take my fives out I always come back wanting more and the Mini did the same.

The drive tonight brought back memories of why I loved tearing round in my old mini as a kid and when my Dad used to let me out in his old mk1 Cooper S.

I've had Elises since and other sporty numbers and whilst you can carry a lot more speed into corners with them for the money spent the Mini still makes you feel at one with it. I reckon a well set up Mini with the some TLC I have lavished on my mx5s must be a lot of fun based on my experience tonight.

Great fun. Wanted to go out for a massive drive but working early tomorrow.