This guy I work with has a MiniCooper S. He has reworked the supercharger changing the pulley, etc. When he saw my new SS in the lot he challenged me to do a run. Then I explained how much HP the SS had and his jaw dropped. He said that even with all his mods he's only at 216 HP. He then said to forget the challenge and walked away all dejected. I have no doubt in my mind that between the price of the Mini S and all his mods, he spent more than I did for a stock SS.

Has anyone ever challenged a s/c Mini? Although less HP, the HP/weight ratio certainly has to be in their favor.

 

A Mini Cooper S starts out at around $24,500. With any options at all (which one would probably get many) sets the price around $29,000. His added money surely cost him $5,000 (JCW package) to get over 200HP. We are way ahead of the game. I was looking at the Mini Cooper S but with a family of three thought smartly against it, especially when I saw the HHR SS.

I was able to race one here in Akron, OH on Route 18, and they were less then pleased when They didn't even come close to being a challange.
But remember a stock Cooper S has 172 HP (and older ones with 168 HP). Now against someone with the John Cooper the Works package, might be a different story. That is one light car. HP is not the only factor when it comes to racing (which you mentioned).

 

turbo tc's are quick but we can still give him a run for his money haha

 

That's funny - my brother had that exact minivan with the fake wood paneling.

 

Had a mini s just turn a corner and didn't even want to look my way...

 

Only 2500 miles on my SS and I rarely get a chance to wind her up but man, do I love that Turbo. Wish the tranny was a bit more slick, I love to wind it through the gears. 80 comes WAY too fast and there is soo much left, I hate to stop.
Coming from a rear-driver, I'm still getting used to the fact that you HAVE to hang onto the steering wheel with hard starts. Torque steer will push you into the toll booth!
No money to mod her, just enjoy for now.

Jim from Buffalo

Yikes! Winter is coming fast!.

 

Do you have a LSD? I have zero torque steer unless turning with the pedal on the floormat.

 

Well the SS will be getting the H/P Tuners hooked to it on Sun. stay tuned for more results.

 

I don't believe I've yet to experience any significant torque steer. I had more on my Grand Prix.

 

I don't think our SS's have much torque steer (with or w/o LSD) when compared to other performance front wheel drives, or any FWD for that matter. But, when you came from a rear wheel drive it can take some getting used to. It's all relative.