Laker2016
New Member
The Mini is a lot more fun to drive, and for half the money
Get the 2023 or wait until the next gen?
- Thread starter OhMurdock
- Start date
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Carsten Haase
Well-Known Member
The Mini is a lot more fun to drive, and for half the money
Cost is a big one. I was originally deciding between the MINI and a Model 3. The $26k+ price difference pretty much made the decision for me!
The MINI is definitely fun to drive but it's not exceptional. I guess for others coming from "regular" cars it's a huge improvement but it's definitely a downgrade from my old Miata. I still do not really like the FWD and would probably have a Model 3 performance if it wasn't $50k.
Guess I'm lucky none of my previous sports cars was very quick that and I never owned a Miata.
Puppethead
Well-Known Member
The Miata is a 2-seat roadster, totally different class of vehicle. It's like saying the MINI can't carry as many passengers as an SUV. True, but not really a meaningful comparison.
What is meaningful is the SE is more nimble than other MINI models, and it's likely best-in-class compared to the likes of the Honda e or maybe a Nissan Leaf.
teslarati97
Well-Known Member
There are plenty of quicker and better handling cars available, but I prefer cars that can safely carry a full set of wheels and tires in the passenger space and boot. Banana boxes be damned.
LOL! Somewhere, Bjørn Nyland, a.k.a Teslabjørn, is frowning.
drdunkyn
Well-Known Member
Oh, buddy, you're going to earn a lot of demerits for this comparison! Happily you provide fantastic insight on this forum so you'll probably survive!
This is obviously not a comparison between the MINI and ANY Miata, but it also shouldn't be any comparison. Stepping out of my m240i in the MINI parking lot to try out the SE, I was totally impressed. I've only ever been in a Miata as a passenger during a BMW CCA autocross, and Miatas routinely beat Bimmers on the short circuit. They also only have 2 seats and even smaller boot, and weigh the same as my cat. This would be like our F14 buddy saying "yeah, the MINI is fun, but it doesn't pull negative G's like my Tomcat." I didn't search, but pretty sure that wasn't said.
Fair comparisons need to be made. Looking at similar pricing (so that excludes Teslas, the i4, etc), size (of course if you need lots of room this isn't it), the models in comparison pale in fun and styling. If you need max range, then the MINI is in a group by itself, and I'm just fine with enjoying what it offers. Tomorrow. When I pick it up.
Cheers!
Alf_W
Active Member
My “other” car is a 2006 Miata, and I feel the driving experience is so different it’s not fair to compare. If I’m feeling like a hooligan, I’ll take the Miata out (6-speed manual transmission), put down the top, and wring it out on a windy road.
If I’m feeling lazy, the SE puts a grin on my face with less effort.
Both have a place in my heart.
I don't knock @Carsten Haase for saying he enjoyed driving his lightweight, RWD Miata more than his SE. He knows there are many things going for the SE, but he's just explaining his experience. I'm glad he didn't say the Tesla he can't afford would be more fun than his SE.Oh, buddy, you're going to earn a lot of demerits for this comparison! Happily you provide fantastic insight on this forum so you'll probably survive!
This is obviously not a comparison between the MINI and ANY Miata, but it also shouldn't be any comparison. Stepping out of my m240i in the MINI parking lot to try out the SE, I was totally impressed. I've only ever been in a Miata as a passenger during a BMW CCA autocross, and Miatas routinely beat Bimmers on the short circuit. They also only have 2 seats and even smaller boot, and weigh the same as my cat. This would be like our F14 buddy saying "yeah, the MINI is fun, but it doesn't pull negative G's like my Tomcat." I didn't search, but pretty sure that wasn't said.
Fair comparisons need to be made. Looking at similar pricing (so that excludes Teslas, the i4, etc), size (of course if you need lots of room this isn't it), the models in comparison pale in fun and styling. If you need max range, then the MINI is in a group by itself, and I'm just fine with enjoying what it offers. Tomorrow. When I pick it up.
Cheers!
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drdunkyn
Well-Known Member
Fair enough! I retract my diatribe! [emoji16] I just don’t like people reading about unfair equivalence and deciding based on that. Hell, I was bizarrely mocked at work (albeit jovially) for opting for a 240i instead of an M2. It’s important that prospective buyers have a realistic expectation of what they’re considering. Sorry, please disregard my comment!
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teslarati97
Well-Known Member
Once you get a ///M2 then you get mocked for not getting the ///M2 Competition, and then the ///M2 CSL. It never ends. The M240i is plenty fun on public roads.
Tommm
Well-Known Member
I had a 99 Miata, A few first Gen RX-7 s, second gen RX-7, RX-7 convertible, and every iteration of the 944. The 944 can carry a set of wheels, helmet, weekend duffel, and tools. My E36 M3 was able to do that, and my 128i can do that too. Miata and Cayman can't. Mini can, but SE won't make it to the track without a charge.
So the SE is not as multi purpose as the 944. That's OK. All I have to do now is figure out how to occupy my left leg.
So the SE is not as multi purpose as the 944. That's OK. All I have to do now is figure out how to occupy my left leg.
Carsten Haase
Well-Known Member
Haha I was expecting a bit of a response for that, we're all passionate owners on here (but definitely some more than others!).
My Miata was heavily customized and was built for fun over anything else. Definitely hard to live up to that but I did trade it for my MINI and don't regret that decision!
The MINI isn't perfect (FWD...) but it was the closest thing to perfect that is currently available. The regular Model 3 was too biased towards practicality for me, the only reason I considered the performance Model 3 is the great drivetrain/traction control tunability (customizable drive bias is a feature I was dreaming about for an ev conversion).
My dream car is something like an electric GR Yaris but until that exists (or I make it myself) I'll keep enjoying my MINI!
My Miata was heavily customized and was built for fun over anything else. Definitely hard to live up to that but I did trade it for my MINI and don't regret that decision!
The MINI isn't perfect (FWD...) but it was the closest thing to perfect that is currently available. The regular Model 3 was too biased towards practicality for me, the only reason I considered the performance Model 3 is the great drivetrain/traction control tunability (customizable drive bias is a feature I was dreaming about for an ev conversion).
My dream car is something like an electric GR Yaris but until that exists (or I make it myself) I'll keep enjoying my MINI!
drdunkyn
Well-Known Member
Absolutely! You should've put that stipulation in your comment!!
I can't wait to give my SE a trial by fire. I completely agree with your summation, and frankly for those that don't do Miatas they don't understand what they're capable of. Outside of Autocross I realized I don't put my DD through the paces enough to keep it, and definitely not to upgrade to the 2022 m240i. I am really looking forward to taking it to the little twerky roads in the area that I might enjoy, with the added knowledge that it's not burning up the environment. I'll probably miss the exhaust sound, but will enjoy the silence even more! Thanks for understanding!
I can't wait to give my SE a trial by fire. I completely agree with your summation, and frankly for those that don't do Miatas they don't understand what they're capable of. Outside of Autocross I realized I don't put my DD through the paces enough to keep it, and definitely not to upgrade to the 2022 m240i. I am really looking forward to taking it to the little twerky roads in the area that I might enjoy, with the added knowledge that it's not burning up the environment. I'll probably miss the exhaust sound, but will enjoy the silence even more! Thanks for understanding!
You're someone who knows how to push a car to its limits (I just pretend I could). I hope you live in a warm place so we don't have to wait a long time to hear your reactions after you get to drive your SE with its summer tires on a "twerky" road.Absolutely! You should've put that stipulation in your comment!!
I can't wait to give my SE a trial by fire. I completely agree with your summation, and frankly for those that don't do Miatas they don't understand what they're capable of. Outside of Autocross I realized I don't put my DD through the paces enough to keep it, and definitely not to upgrade to the 2022 m240i. I am really looking forward to taking it to the little twerky roads in the area that I might enjoy, with the added knowledge that it's not burning up the environment. I'll probably miss the exhaust sound, but will enjoy the silence even more! Thanks for understanding!
Thanks to the stepless acceleration to top speed, I don't miss the third pedal at all and I enjoy ignoring the second pedal most of the time. The noise may be something you'll miss at first, but not for long. The absence of engine vibration may seem even more abnormal.
drdunkyn
Well-Known Member
Absolutely, Sir! I’m in East Bay, with current temps 35-77 through the day. Only ever had Pilot SS here and they’ve been great. Will report back with experience but I’m very hopeful [emoji1303]
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