gimme an S
Or maybe not. Maybe the S isn't is me. Saturday I drove the Mini Cooper again. This time my brother Paul tagged along and together we took the Mini for a spin.. almost a complete 180 even. After I was done enjoying my part of the test drive, Paul took over and then fun began. Hehe.. he's quite the car nut. We did a few low speed tricks with the parking brake, some hilarious ones i need to go back and see the marks. I was amazed at the low speed 180' capabilities of the Mini. The car is seriously liight. And all that pep is alot of fun.
We returned the Mini Cooper and asked about the S, I wanted to drive one to see the real difference. They didn't have an S, but they did have an S - Cooper Works. Now the works is a new modifcation to the mini S that takes the 163hp to 200hp. Thats a alot over the Coopers 115hp. But the dealer guy had to ride with me. Blah! But Paul encouraged me to test S now while I had the fresh experience of the Cooper in my head.
Off the line it was the standard Cooper, no real differences and sadly the whole area around MAG is like 35mph, and just my luck some cop in front of me. Eventually I got to some open road and let the Works out of the S. Speed, yes its there, kicks in after 50 or so and just wants to go go go. The shifting was more unforgiving than the Cooper, and the steering didnt seem as point and shoot as the Cooper did. But the raw power was feflt. Course the Works is a 6k option on top of the S which is a 4k option. Thats a 10k add on to the 16k base. 26k.. a bit more and that doesnt factor the frills i want.
I managed to stall the S Works once at a light waiting to get on 161. It just didnt like how I wanted to shift I suppose. In all the S Works was probably more than I'd use. It just didnt feel all that different other than, ya, raw power heh. It didnt feel as fun as the Mini Cooper who was maybe a little more managable for me. Plainly put the S, and the Works for sure is wasted on me. Like this guy, I kinda agree. I should of had Paul drive it. But I definately encourage Troy and the rest of the gang to go to MAG and drive the Works. I'm sure yee all will get a better feel. For me, the S isnt me. I like the looks of the S, and the only difference is a few emblems and the hood scope which i could swap and put on a Cooper. Tempting.
I think the config I'll want to go with is Indie Blue, with Bonnet Stripes, White Wheels and Driver Lamps. I decided to pass on the sun roof as well. Its huge but I think i get plenty of air without the hole in the roof. The Aero kit adds a nice look and I can consider that and a spoiler later on. The stripes and driver lamps are just a must, I love the look. I'm also thinking Black with white stripes too. This isnt bad either.
I finally checked out Paul's 26' Cutty on Alum Creek last night. Now thats a big boat. Well a big step from what we were boating in. Very nice though, I could see taking that out ont he lake, sleeping in it etc. The cutty cabin area is really nice considering the size and all. Alot of fun. Lake Cumberland is coming up.. Can't wait.