[Juventus]

Hello everyone.
I still have not had the chance to check out the M235i. I test drove a Mini Cooper S today and loved it. The FWD is barely noticeable and it almost felt like a RWD. Has anyone tried both these cars?

[ska///235i]

Two very different cars imo

[DanG]

Originally Posted by ska///235i

Two very different cars imo

I agree. The M235i is a lot bigger, a lot more expensive, and a lot faster.

[kerm1t]

Originally Posted by Juventus

Hello everyone.
I still have not had the chance to check out the M235i. I test drove a Mini Cooper S today and loved it. The FWD is barely noticeable and it almost felt like a RWD. Has anyone tried both these cars?

mini coopers are great cars, i used to have it as a commuter. im not sure how hard you test drove the min, but for a fwd car, around town its pretty impressive. But if you try taking corners at higher speeds, thats when you can tell the fwd difference.

[Juventus]

Originally Posted by ska///235i

Two very different cars imo

Agree 100% that they are different animals but as far as the fun / handling is concerned, which is the better car. Of course, the 235i is faster.

[ska///235i]

Originally Posted by Juventus

Agree 100% that they are different animals but as far as the fun / handling is concerned, which is the better car. Of course, the 235i is faster.

No doubt a smaller tight suspension car will have better handling...you can literally throw that thing around but overall there's no way I'll pick a mini over a 320hp rwd sports coupe

[disco4me]

Mini is like driving an awesome go kart. 2er is like driving an awesome sports sedan.

[Lynn_228i]

The Mini Cooper S was so much fun to drive but only came with a sport seat and I wanted the S version in a base seat. With all the driver and parking assistance and navigation features I added to the Mini Cooper S, my lease payment was higher than the BMW 228i. Of course, you are comparing the Mini Cooper S to the BMW 235i which is more expensive. You should test the BMW 228i also with and without the sport suspension and compare this car with the BMW 235i and the Mini Cooper S.

I also preferred the 10-way power seat on the BMW 228i since the Mini Cooper S only has a manual seat that is height adjustable. Finally, I wanted another bright white happy car and the Mini Cooper S did not come in white. The White Pepper was a cream color.

If the price would have been lower with a power base seat, I would have loved a smaller fun to drive Mini Cooper S. I would have bought it with a bright red color with the white top and white mirrors.

Also do not forget that the BMW 235i has more power than the BMW Mini Cooper S but of course the Mini Cooper S gets better gas mileage. Test them both for yourself to see which you like better and compare the prices you get since maybe all the options really upped my price but I needed those options to drive and park safely.

I know I will be very happy with my BMW 228i that should be here in the next 2 weeks. I also know I will appreciate more room for groceries and/or office supplies.

[BEM-S4]

Not the same thing but the mini is super nice. My cousin had a C4S, Dino, f40, g63, and his DD is the mini. Loves that thing.

[angler]

Originally Posted by Juventus

Hello everyone.
I still have not had the chance to check out the M235i. I test drove a Mini Cooper S today and loved it. The FWD is barely noticeable and it almost felt like a RWD. Has anyone tried both these cars?

Your not serious about the FWD are you? There is a huge difference between a RWD and the Mini. My wife has a Mini S and anytime you floor it the front end is all over the place. Apples and oranges my friend.

[midwest 340xi 6sp]

Two different cars - two different missions...It just so happens they're both fun as hell to drive and therefore admired by driving enthusiasts.

Mini Cooper Countryman All 4 is actually on my next car consideration list..Put a JB+ on it and it's a fun little everyday driver for $300+ a month lease.

I got my kid a Mini Clubman for going to college in SoCal and he loves it..They're awesome cars.

But as others have already pointed-out, you're comparing an apple to an orange...I suggest you start off with making a list of your top 6 attributes you need in your next car and then prioritize em (including price)..Then see how the two compare to your list and not to each other...

[Lucky13]

Had a 2010 Mini Clubman S manual and I loved it but its apples to oranges. Two totally different rides, handling, traction and different in many more ways than they are similar. The one thing I hated about the Mini was torque steer. Try hitting the gas hard from a stand still with a sharp right or left turn getting on a hwy or road and the tires and front end is all over the place. Just can't get the traction to the front wheels.

[Juventus]

Thank you all for the advice. The Mini's FWD is a major let down IMHO. Having said that, at low inner city speeds, this car is a blast. I just loved the steering feel and the sport suspension.

My BMW CA informed me that they finally got a 235i. Really excited about the test drive.

[Juventus]

BTW, as a DD, is the 52:48 wt distribution in the 235i perceptible?

I guess I'm really getting impatient and need to try the car out myself.

[VeryBadman]

I got Mini to drive from rental from time to time. As much as I like how it drives regardless of being a FWD, 2 series is more comfortable to sit in the cabin so for everyday driving I definitely prefer 2 series over a Mini since money is not an issue here.

[ska///235i]

It does feel a little soft comparing to the M cars but it handles pretty well. The electric steering is something that you need to get use to. I don't see a problem with the 60/40 wt (if thats even true) but I notice the front sits lower than the rears (front has a two finger gap where as the rear has 3 fingers), maybe this is why ppl say it feels 60/40 wt...maybe the suspensions havent fully settle yet

lets not forget these are electronic control dampers...in comfort mode you're riding nicely/softly on city streets and if you want it to tighten up a bit, hit the sport mode button. Just dont expect a race car suspension even in sports mode, for those coming from M/P cars or have had coilovers will find this soft

Originally Posted by Juventus

BTW, as a DD, is the 52:48 wt distribution in the 235i perceptible?

I guess I'm really getting impatient and need to try the car out myself.

[CONTROL ONE]

I traded in my wife's 2004 Cooper S 6spd for the M235i. How could you possibly even consider these 2 vehicles to be comparable?

[jhbjrpdx]

I traded my 2008 R56 Mini for a 228i Sportline. I loved my Mini. Nothing can beat the point and shoot sensation of that little car. Had many fun track days. Now, I love my BMW. It is a bit more civilized as a daily driver but push the sport button and the fun kicks right in. I see them as different routes to the same sort of fun with a car.

[Cope]

My family owns both, and they're completely different cars. In comparison the mini is clearly fwd, significantly slower, not as comfortable....

But damn do I enjoy driving the mini. It's just a fun experience when you're behind the wheel; it's hard not to enjoy it.

[rickinaz]

I own a 2014 435i, and my wife has a 2014 Mini Cooper S. She had a previous generation Cooper S and the torque steer was intrusive. The 3rd generation has tamed that issue, and the car shares much BMW DNA. It has really moved up a level.

[c1pher]

I feel similarly about my Abarth. But yes they are very different cars.

[Juventus]

BMW should come up with a
1/2 (half) series now.