128i vs Mini Cooper S

[Riddler]

Here in Canada 4 g exact difference! Looking for pros and cons of purchasing each.

[adam135aoc]

how about neither... 135i is the way to go :-)

[backtoreality15]

Originally Posted by adam135aoc

how about neither... 135i is the way to go :-)

As always, the unconstructive bullshit that some 135i fanatics like to post...

[larryn]

Adam.. people might not want he 135i (and let's not create a rift just because of a motor differentiating the two cars). I think the 128i and the Mini S are a great comparison for a cross shop. Hmmm. That's a win-win for BMW either way.

I had a 328xit yesterday for a loaner while my 1 was in the shop, and I was very surprised by the power of the n52... and I'm coming from a e90 330i. I have to go drive a 128i soon, because I bet it's one very fun car.

I have driven the Mini S lots of times, and found it to be a very nimble and fun car, but the driving dynamics are pretty different, with each car being powered from opposite ends.

[rsx_r04]

If i had a choice b/w a FWD and a RWD, I'd choose a RWD 10 times out of 10.

[Kiety]

I would get the 128i

It's surprisingly roomy compared to the mini, and 230 hp really isn't a slouch. I haven't owned a mini before so I can't say much about it, but the RWD dynamics of the 128i definitely give a more confident feel on the roads.

[quattrocoupe]

I own a mini S and have a 128 convertible on order. the Mini is a BLAST to drive, but rather bouncy due to the short wheelbase and stiff suspension.

I guess I would look at the 128 vs Mini consideration as do you want "luxury coupled with fun" or just plain fun? The mini handles MUCH better than the 128 with the sport package but the 128 has more power.

All depends on the type of driving you are planning on doing.

JB

[vanbmw]

I haven't driven the turbocharger mini but I did drive the supercharger cooper S. It was one incredible handling car. Very tight and light on its feet with razer sharp reflexes. Lots of fun. Very "boy racer" feel to it. I drove a 128 (sports package) and it has good handling and a nice engine. It has plenty of power and a sweet engine note. It has an upscale feel to it that the Cooper S and doesn't have the boy racer feel. It is a nice car. Very different cars in my opinion but both nice in their own respect.

[whya1?]

I would look at the Mini cooper Clubman S as you get more room than a 128 but still the fun handling of the mini. The wheelbase is only a bit larger but the car still is very tossable and just as quick. The extra room though is amazing for the small increase in size/weight.

[dixon1763]

Both cars are really, really interesting. There's something to be said for RWD, but every time I see a Mini, the aesthete in me wants one.

In general, you face a great choice: it's more fun to push a car with a slightly less powerful motor than it is to restrain one with a beast under the hood. But that's just my opinion. I'd also buy the base Cayman over a Cayman S. And all of this said, I did ED a 135i last month, so maybe I don't walk the walk. Still a good, difficult choice.

[imported_Katera]

Umm...

RWD vs FWD?

230 hp vs 189 hp?

BMW vs Mini?




No contest :biggrin:

[richsnuc]

I looked at this before ordering my 135, as I was in an 06 Cooper S. The power to weight ratio is very similar. I couldn't, personally, see paying the extra dollars for the 128i, as the Cooper S, especially with an aftermarket sway is an absolute monster in the twisties. The ride is pretty harsh compared to the 1, though. So, bottom line, I liked the looks and the similar power in the S compared to a 128i, but the huge power of the 135i won me over!

[roadburn]

Test-drive them both. They're very different cars. You'll like one better. Buy it.

[GT3]

Originally Posted by backtoreality15

As always, the unconstructive bullshit that some 135i fanatics like to post...

lol, yeah it gets frustrating around here at times what with some people's blind loyalty to their cars.

To the OP:

I think the MCS is a fantastic car. The handling is superb for a FWD based chassis due to the very short wheel base, excellent steering, and light weight. However, these attributes can get tiresome on a bumpy highway with constant corrections necessary. The engine is a sweet little motor and the car always feels faster than it is due to it's size and turbo nature. The 6spd is a slick unit with short, precise throws. The character screams out at you and the interior design amplifies this. Plus you get great mpgs. One thing about a MCS is that you are guaranteed to always have a smile on your face.

The 128i I can't comment on first hand because I have yet to drive one but I have driven the 08 328Ci which I believe is the same engine. Like all BMW I6 the motor is buttery smooth. It has plenty of power and the TQ is on access across the tach. It is quick but will not "feel" as quick due to the smoothness and ease of the engine. I think both cars put out about the same 0-60 and 1/4 times, I might be wrong. The steering was good as with nearly all BMWs. The chassis was excellent, as were the brakes and balance. I see these attributes being basically the same in the 128i if not even more heightened. The shifter was a big disappointment with long and spongey throws. The interior of the 128i is of course more luxurious and fitting of a refined sports coupe.

Whatever one you go with you will be getting a great car for sure. Just 2 different characters with their own personalities.

[professor]

the mini is such an acquired taste. some people love it and other hate it. i think the styling inside is a bit too playful for me. the exterior is beautiful and deserving of its iconic status. the handling really is every bit as go-karty as the hype would have you believe. and a jcw on the r56 makes it an enormous treat to drive! the 128i is never going to have that iconic exterior image, but the engine is in a class several levels above the r56. the handling is not that much better on the streets even though it is a fwd car. if i could live with the interior styling of the mini, i think that i would go with a mini with jcw over the 128i. but only just.....

[GT3]

Originally Posted by professor

the mini is such an acquired taste. some people love it and other hate it. i think the styling inside is a bit too playful for me. the exterior is beautiful and deserving of its iconic status. the handling really is every bit as go-karty as the hype would have you believe. and a jcw on the r56 makes it an enormous treat to drive! the 128i is never going to have that iconic exterior image, but the engine is in a class several levels above the r56. the handling is not that much better on the streets even though it is a fwd car. if i could live with the interior styling of the mini, i think that i would go with a mini with jcw over the 128i. but only just.....

Professor - your sig has me in stitches LOFL :biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:

[professor]

Originally Posted by GT3

Professor - your sig has me in stitches LOFL :biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:

courtesy of the american president! far and away the funniest man on the planet.

[MrDrWatson]

A neighbour of a friend of mine as them both, I believe he uses one for driving in the city and the other for the long journeys.
but it's not a 128i, it's a 123d.

[Riddler]

anyone else?

[mtla4]

Thing is that people need to know that the 135I is 42K canadian. Id go with the mini cooper S fun car to drive. Lightly optionned Mini FTW. Small JCW upgrades. If you dont like the Mini later on you can sell it the resale value is ridiculous(in a great way)

[Brandon26pdx]

I'd take the 128i 12 times out of 10:iono:

Not that I dislike the Mini, it's just outclassed bigtime here by a smalltime price gap.

[jb2178]

Looked at both, test drove the 128, never drove the cooper - the size of the trunk scared me away and I was already sold on the 128i.