[trackbird]

My wife has been looking at Mini Cooper's lately. Unfortunately, the Mini dealer didn't want her VW very badly (50% depreciation in 1.5 years and 25k miles?).

It was wet out and I kept the test drive short, but I really liked it (Cooper S). Actually, I liked it more than I thought I really would. It could use a bit more power, but it wasn't a pig (it's not a Camaro either). The handling was reasonably crisp and it was a bit go cart like. I found myself thinking that I could possibly live with one of those as a daily driver. And, tires and such for autocross will be considerably cheaper than my current ride. I'm really thinking that I should take another look at these. It's small, and really rather fun to drive.

She won't be buying one for a while, but....I could probably sell the Z at this point..... :leaving:

[z28jeff]

I've done fun runs in both the Mini S and Cobalt SS. My nod goes to the Cobalt. I'm sure with more seat time, I would have felt more comfortable in the Mini, but it just felt really odd. There was noticable boost lag and tons of understeer. (But I never was a good front wheel drive-driver anyway) There was no noticable lag in the Cobalt, and I was impressed by how easily I could toss it around on stock tires. It transitioned very well. Both cars lacked an lsd. While you may be able to get by without one in the Mini, it is an absolute necessity in the Cobalt. Even the slightest touch of the throttle in a turn would smoke the inside tire. With all that power, I'll bet the Cobalt would make a smokin track car too.

Thought all supercharged Cobalts had LSDs?

No, that would probably make sence. GM offers it as an option.