Classic Mini Handling
Discussion
left to right said:
Me and My Dad have just bought a Classic Mini for a fun car. He had one as a first car and said the great fun around the twisty bit.
Does this still hold true today with modern cars? Or were they good at the time?
How does nobody understand this? He's asking if they only had good handling compared to other cars of their era, or if they're handling is good even compared with today's cars.Does this still hold true today with modern cars? Or were they good at the time?
I've only owned 2 cars. First a classic Mini, and now a Polo mk4 (02-09). I'd say that although the Polo has far more outright GRIP (both laterally and under acceleration/braking), the mini was infinitely more FUN on a twisty bit of road. As the tyres were only 145 section (versus 205 section on the Polo) you reached the limits of grip more quickly, but also more progressively. Don't get complacent though, it's SWB meant lift-off oversteer came rather suddenly. On top on that it's lack of power steering meant you could feel exactly what was going on, making it much more confidence inspiring near the limit, while it diminutive size opened up more options in terms of road positioning. On the other hand, Polos are hardly renowned for exciting handling, and comparing it to, say, a Renaultsport Clio, may have a different outcome.
Synchromesh said:
How does nobody understand this? He's asking if they only had good handling compared to other cars of their era, or if they're handling is good even compared with today's cars.
I've only owned 2 cars. First a classic Mini, and now a Polo mk4 (02-09). I'd say that although the Polo has far more outright GRIP (both laterally and under acceleration/braking), the mini was infinitely more FUN on a twisty bit of road. As the tyres were only 145 section (versus 205 section on the Polo) you reached the limits of grip more quickly, but also more progressively. Don't get complacent though, it's SWB meant lift-off oversteer came rather suddenly. On top on that it's lack of power steering meant you could feel exactly what was going on, making it much more confidence inspiring near the limit, while it diminutive size opened up more options in terms of road positioning. On the other hand, Polos are hardly renowned for exciting handling, and comparing it to, say, a Renaultsport Clio, may have a different outcome.
Cheers thats the awnser I was after. I guess what confused them was the mini era was a good 40 years.I've only owned 2 cars. First a classic Mini, and now a Polo mk4 (02-09). I'd say that although the Polo has far more outright GRIP (both laterally and under acceleration/braking), the mini was infinitely more FUN on a twisty bit of road. As the tyres were only 145 section (versus 205 section on the Polo) you reached the limits of grip more quickly, but also more progressively. Don't get complacent though, it's SWB meant lift-off oversteer came rather suddenly. On top on that it's lack of power steering meant you could feel exactly what was going on, making it much more confidence inspiring near the limit, while it diminutive size opened up more options in terms of road positioning. On the other hand, Polos are hardly renowned for exciting handling, and comparing it to, say, a Renaultsport Clio, may have a different outcome.
I've had and driven a number of cars, and a good few classic Minis (including a very sorted Mini from Bill Richards). Some modern cars can keep up with a classic mini through the twisties (although nearing the limit a lot will depend on the driver).
However, a modern car will always feel bigger, chunkier, slightly more clumsy. There aren't many modern cars that weigh in under a tonne! I think only an Elise or MK1 MX5 would come close to the responsiveness and lightweight feel of the Mini, but both of those are RWD, so slightly different in handling characteristics.
Stick 10x6 wheels on a Mini with Yoko A032Rs, KAD 4 pots and slightly uprated dampers and cones and it'll be the closest thing to go-kart handling you can get.
However, a modern car will always feel bigger, chunkier, slightly more clumsy. There aren't many modern cars that weigh in under a tonne! I think only an Elise or MK1 MX5 would come close to the responsiveness and lightweight feel of the Mini, but both of those are RWD, so slightly different in handling characteristics.
Stick 10x6 wheels on a Mini with Yoko A032Rs, KAD 4 pots and slightly uprated dampers and cones and it'll be the closest thing to go-kart handling you can get.
I can't! fecking Insuranced. I am 19. My dad is going to be the main driver and I'll be a named driver. you try finding an insurance broker that will do that. it's alright if i am the main driver and my dad is named, but I won't be driving it the most so if we go down that way we will be fronting. I have tryed most of the specialist insurance brokers as well flux etc
left to right said:
I can't! fecking Insuranced. I am 19. My dad is going to be the main driver and I'll be a named driver. you try finding an insurance broker that will do that. it's alright if i am the main driver and my dad is named, but I won't be driving it the most so if we go down that way we will be fronting. I have tryed most of the specialist insurance brokers as well flux etc
Have you tried dedicated classic car insurers and/or the owners club(s)?left to right said:
doogz said:
No, it was the appaling English that threw me!
Sorry did my dyslexia offend you?
t at maths. Don't like the dyslexia excuse. As John Bishop said, what happened to just being thick? And when maths is concerned I'm thick. Modern car will have more grip and be quicker.
Old mini will, imo have much more fun handling.
Old mini will, imo have much more fun handling.
jammy_basturd said:
However, a modern car will always feel bigger, chunkier, slightly more clumsy. There aren't many modern cars that weigh in under a tonne! I think only an Elise or MK1 MX5 would come close to the responsiveness and lightweight feel of the Mini, but both of those are RWD, so slightly different in handling characteristics.
mk1 Ford Ka gets pretty close.
doogz said:
I thought dyslexia affected your ability to spell? You seem to have spelt everything correct, it's just incomprehensible. Read it back. Would you have said it like that if you were talking? It makes no sense.
Never mind, i was just trying to figure out what you meant, but you seem to have got your answer.
I have to substitute words for others as I can't spell them and spell check can't even pick them up.Never mind, i was just trying to figure out what you meant, but you seem to have got your answer.
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