Fun factor

[msm]

Just been arguing/chatting to a few guys about the fun factor in cars nowadays. Debate shifted into a E46 M3 vs Mini Cooper S one and thought I'll bring it here.

Now the E46 M3 is one of the bestest/fastest/blah/blah/most fun car at it's current price (R200K-R300K). But for about half that price, you can get a used Mini Cooper S. Yes, these are 2 very different cars, but for everyday situations (i.e. normal Gauteng traffic), the Mini is a car you can exploit a bit more than the M3. The limits are lower, meaning you can actually reach the red line more often. The Mini is also a bit "rough" so you "feel" the car a bit more. Abuse the M3 in traffic and you get yourself in trouble. Push the Mini and you can still have fun ...

However, the argument changes once you have open roads, but in Gauteng, that is fast becoming a luxury even on weekends....

So let's here it from some of the guys on this forum. Let's ignore outright power, 0-100 times, image, etc, would you say that a Cooper S is more FUN than an ///M car. :mmm: Also, what else is in the same league as the Cooper S in terms of fun factor .... this question is what brought the E46 M3 on board.

 

[freerider]

I have never driven a mini (I dont fit very well) but I would rate another very fun car to own and drive would be a Mazda MX5.

 

[SirSparky]

hairdressers car mx5

 

[Nic_s]

This is easy. Get a E30 325i for about R30k - R40k with electric windows and sunroof. Then have the car checked out and replace everything that needs to be replaced (This will still be a lot less than a second hand Mini). You'll be having endless fun in traffic and on the open road. I've heard the Cooper S's fuel consumption is a bit high, so having a lovely 2.5L straight six won't make that much of a difference in that department.

That's what I'll do though...

 

[weiburwu]

i think M3 still will be my choice,

 

[biofreak]

You only need 1st and 2nd to drift sideways through intersections M3 ftw

 

[wynandd]

LOOKS EXACTLY LIKE MY OLD 333i, same rims, mine was just white!!!:bawling::bawling::bawling::drool::drool::drool::drool::drool:

 

[Nic_s]

LOOKS EXACTLY LIKE MY OLD 333i, same rims, mine was just white!!!:bawling::bawling::bawling::drool::drool::drool::drool::drool:

And how much fun was that to drive??

 

[andrewbuch]

have been in a cooper S JCW and it was fun for the drivers, small enough to weave in and out of traffic, fast enough too. Never been in a e46 M3 :bawling: . and never driven either cars :bawling:.

It would be a tough choice but if image etc is out then I would take a cooper S

 

[Notion]

Thats why god invented BACKROADS!!

I would definitely choose the m3. traction control off in garages. More than enough pulling torque. Smoother power delivery. sure you might not reach red line in every day but you can still have fun. You'll get taken a bit more seriously in the m3 as well.

 

[calypso]

Where is Mike S, he has had both, so should be able to give a good answer.

 

[SP4NN3R]

notice how redundant this gets when you realize that the mini cooper S has a BMW 3 series body, engine developed my BMW, BMW suspension, and, is even sold and maintained at BMW show rooms...

... conclusion: BMW FTW!!!

 

[Richard H]

Have to agree about the Cooper S JCW. Its a fun car to drive!! But after all it is a bm underneath!!!

 

[Hellas]

I make decisions purely on open road capabilities, so BMW it is!