R56 MINI Cooper S vs. GT86/BRZ vs. Audi TTS
Discussion
I'm currently in the process of saving up for my next car and interestingly whereas I'm normally focussing on a particular "type" of car, the three cars at the top of my list all have different drivetrains. I like small, relatively light sporty cars but the only thing these three have in common other than that is that they are not "regular" hatches, should do 30+ mpg, I like the styling of them and they have 2+2 seating (which is a requirement as I have two young children).
Free from the last restriction, my ideal car would probably be a flat 6 Porsche Cayman but a 2-seater is definitely not an option. So for a nominal maximum budget of 20k (happy to spend less), which would be the most fun/easiest to live with?
R56 MINI Cooper S - I currently have an R56 MINI Cooper and love it. I don't normally buy the same car twice but for me it's a solid 9/10 car and just a bit more performance would make it a 10/10 car for me, as I do miss the extra thrust of my WRX. I could have afforded an older Cooper S last time but I was concerned about reliability, so would be looking for a late model (2012/2013?) with the N18 engine, as I don't like what they have done with the styling on the new one. Still the cheapest here by some degree though.
Toyota GT86/Subaru BRZ - I have liked these ever since they came out and have been dying to have a go in one. The thought of a sublime RWD chassis paired with an NA engine in a purpose-built sports car really appeals and 200bhp sounds ample to me but I recently watched a Head 2 Head video on YouTube where a BRZ got trounced by a 160bhp MX5 in a straight line and on track, so maybe it would be frustratingly slow?
Audi TTS - I have some previous with AWD and like the traction (although this is Haldex) and this ought to be pretty quick. I would love an RS but I fear the running costs would be too high. Like many, I initially dismissed the Audi TT as style over substance but I suspect that in its 2nd and 3rd generations (aluminium body?) it has quietly become quite a decent sports coupe. I would probably be looking at a 2nd gen but maybe a 3rd gen if they come down enough in value.
Free from the last restriction, my ideal car would probably be a flat 6 Porsche Cayman but a 2-seater is definitely not an option. So for a nominal maximum budget of 20k (happy to spend less), which would be the most fun/easiest to live with?
R56 MINI Cooper S - I currently have an R56 MINI Cooper and love it. I don't normally buy the same car twice but for me it's a solid 9/10 car and just a bit more performance would make it a 10/10 car for me, as I do miss the extra thrust of my WRX. I could have afforded an older Cooper S last time but I was concerned about reliability, so would be looking for a late model (2012/2013?) with the N18 engine, as I don't like what they have done with the styling on the new one. Still the cheapest here by some degree though.
Toyota GT86/Subaru BRZ - I have liked these ever since they came out and have been dying to have a go in one. The thought of a sublime RWD chassis paired with an NA engine in a purpose-built sports car really appeals and 200bhp sounds ample to me but I recently watched a Head 2 Head video on YouTube where a BRZ got trounced by a 160bhp MX5 in a straight line and on track, so maybe it would be frustratingly slow?
Audi TTS - I have some previous with AWD and like the traction (although this is Haldex) and this ought to be pretty quick. I would love an RS but I fear the running costs would be too high. Like many, I initially dismissed the Audi TT as style over substance but I suspect that in its 2nd and 3rd generations (aluminium body?) it has quietly become quite a decent sports coupe. I would probably be looking at a 2nd gen but maybe a 3rd gen if they come down enough in value.
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