GP2 or F56 Challenge, for Sundays and track fun.
Discussion
Hi all so had a few minis for daily use over the years R53 Cooper , R56 Cooper S , R56 JCW, But now fancy one for Sunday fun and Track days, The GP2 and F56 Challenge are close in price, No matter were I look I can’t find a comparison between the two even on the tube can’t find and VS comparison video clips, I have around 22k Budget I’ve seen both within this price with around 30k on ,Anyone owned either of these ??. Many thanks
No direct comparson between the two but here are a couple of vids that might be of interest if you've not already watched:
Carfection - JCW Challenge
https://youtu.be/5WtAAhD2zJU?si=fvi0jG0BAN8ejMQv
Driven+ - GP2 vs GP3
https://youtu.be/F0bgDKyMwrY?si=C5pcgCw5cGgwFSAw
I've driven or owned Cooper S (inc a Stage 1 R56 N18 with GP-ish power) and JCW models from R53 through to F56 but not had a chance to try any GP model or the JCW Challenge yet.
While I considered them my budget didn't quite stretch at the time. Let us know how you get on.
With a trackday/weekend car brief it does tip towards those cars even if the same money could get you into a late F56 LCI2 JCW which would be 5-10 years newer than either if not as focussed.
Pushing the budget for a GP3 expands the performance envelope further but at around £30k I'd probably go for a Cayman even if running costs in a different league.
Plus the cheaper MINIs mentioned can always be remapped to 270-280bhp or whatever if you find the GP2 or JCW Challenge lacking as standard.
That may put off some "collectors" when you sell on, although it wouldn't put me off personally.
Carfection - JCW Challenge
https://youtu.be/5WtAAhD2zJU?si=fvi0jG0BAN8ejMQv
Driven+ - GP2 vs GP3
https://youtu.be/F0bgDKyMwrY?si=C5pcgCw5cGgwFSAw
I've driven or owned Cooper S (inc a Stage 1 R56 N18 with GP-ish power) and JCW models from R53 through to F56 but not had a chance to try any GP model or the JCW Challenge yet.
While I considered them my budget didn't quite stretch at the time. Let us know how you get on.
With a trackday/weekend car brief it does tip towards those cars even if the same money could get you into a late F56 LCI2 JCW which would be 5-10 years newer than either if not as focussed.
Pushing the budget for a GP3 expands the performance envelope further but at around £30k I'd probably go for a Cayman even if running costs in a different league.
Plus the cheaper MINIs mentioned can always be remapped to 270-280bhp or whatever if you find the GP2 or JCW Challenge lacking as standard.
That may put off some "collectors" when you sell on, although it wouldn't put me off personally.
Currently GP2 owner here. Did look at a Challenge before buying the GP2 but never drove one. The GP won in the end on looks and no back seats was a plus for us. Looks are obviously subjective but we thought the GP looked more ‘special’ over the Challenge. Ours is just a high days and holidays car and we absolutely love it.
Boring answer but try both and go from there. If you want to do plenty of track days maybe a JCW with a few mods would be better. GP’s and Challenge cars can be considered collectors cars by some so tracking could devalue the car. It’s your choice and car at the end of the day so do with it as you please. Don’t think you’d be disappointed with either in all honesty.
Boring answer but try both and go from there. If you want to do plenty of track days maybe a JCW with a few mods would be better. GP’s and Challenge cars can be considered collectors cars by some so tracking could devalue the car. It’s your choice and car at the end of the day so do with it as you please. Don’t think you’d be disappointed with either in all honesty.
Difficult Call
I'd be looking for number of owners, and mileage @ both options.
As a longtime ownership proposition I'd be inclined to go to the F56.
If 2 seats would work then also consider a roadster, upgrades are required but easily surpassed GP2 performance, depends if you enjoy the process of modifying, and not worried about a return on your expenditure. Ultimately a manual Jcw is more exclusive than a gp2 as fewer were built. Visit how many left.
I've upgraded every element of my R59 to Gp2 spec or far better.
Plenty of track time, but drive it roof down for fun, aero dynamics compromised.
I've not driven the challenge but own the F56 development car from carbon wurks ( check out the videos online) and since added KW-V3 and another 100hp. That is now my daily
So not an exact answer but as a second or 3rd car the roadster has more boxes ticked, if I had to sell one tomorrow I'd keep the roadster.
Or
I'd be looking for number of owners, and mileage @ both options.
As a longtime ownership proposition I'd be inclined to go to the F56.
If 2 seats would work then also consider a roadster, upgrades are required but easily surpassed GP2 performance, depends if you enjoy the process of modifying, and not worried about a return on your expenditure. Ultimately a manual Jcw is more exclusive than a gp2 as fewer were built. Visit how many left.
I've upgraded every element of my R59 to Gp2 spec or far better.
Plenty of track time, but drive it roof down for fun, aero dynamics compromised.
I've not driven the challenge but own the F56 development car from carbon wurks ( check out the videos online) and since added KW-V3 and another 100hp. That is now my daily
So not an exact answer but as a second or 3rd car the roadster has more boxes ticked, if I had to sell one tomorrow I'd keep the roadster.
Or
Edited by blue al on Friday 18th September 07:09
blue al said:
Difficult Call
I'd be looking for number of owners, and mileage @ both options.
As a longtime ownership proposition I'd be inclined to go to the F56.
If 2 seats would work then also consider a roadster, upgrades are required but easily surpassed GP2 performance, depends if you enjoy the process of modifying, and not worried about a return on your expenditure. Ultimately a manual Jcw is more exclusive than a gp2 as fewer were built. Visit how many left.
I've upgraded every element of my R59 to Gp2 spec or far better.
Plenty of track time, but drive it roof down for fun, aero dynamics compromised.
I've not driven the challenge but own the F56 development car from carbon wurks ( check out the videos online) and since added KW-V3 and another 100hp. That is now my daily
So not an exact answer but as a second or 3rd car the roadster has more boxes ticked, if I had to sell one tomorrow I'd keep the roadster.
Or
I've watched a few of Carbon Wurks vids, love that/your rebel green JCW! If you don't mind me asking what route did you go for power gains? I'd be looking for number of owners, and mileage @ both options.
As a longtime ownership proposition I'd be inclined to go to the F56.
If 2 seats would work then also consider a roadster, upgrades are required but easily surpassed GP2 performance, depends if you enjoy the process of modifying, and not worried about a return on your expenditure. Ultimately a manual Jcw is more exclusive than a gp2 as fewer were built. Visit how many left.
I've upgraded every element of my R59 to Gp2 spec or far better.
Plenty of track time, but drive it roof down for fun, aero dynamics compromised.
I've not driven the challenge but own the F56 development car from carbon wurks ( check out the videos online) and since added KW-V3 and another 100hp. That is now my daily
So not an exact answer but as a second or 3rd car the roadster has more boxes ticked, if I had to sell one tomorrow I'd keep the roadster.
Or
Edited by blue al on Friday 18th September 07:09
I think the LCI2 ECUs were locked down until fairly recently and at one point something like a Bluespark or Hybrid Tune piggyback tuning box was the only option?
WayOutWest said:
blue al said:
Difficult Call
I'd be looking for number of owners, and mileage @ both options.
As a longtime ownership proposition I'd be inclined to go to the F56.
If 2 seats would work then also consider a roadster, upgrades are required but easily surpassed GP2 performance, depends if you enjoy the process of modifying, and not worried about a return on your expenditure. Ultimately a manual Jcw is more exclusive than a gp2 as fewer were built. Visit how many left.
I've upgraded every element of my R59 to Gp2 spec or far better.
Plenty of track time, but drive it roof down for fun, aero dynamics compromised.
I've not driven the challenge but own the F56 development car from carbon wurks ( check out the videos online) and since added KW-V3 and another 100hp. That is now my daily
So not an exact answer but as a second or 3rd car the roadster has more boxes ticked, if I had to sell one tomorrow I'd keep the roadster.
Or
I've watched a few of Carbon Wurks vids, love that/your rebel green JCW! If you don't mind me asking what route did you go for power gains? I'd be looking for number of owners, and mileage @ both options.
As a longtime ownership proposition I'd be inclined to go to the F56.
If 2 seats would work then also consider a roadster, upgrades are required but easily surpassed GP2 performance, depends if you enjoy the process of modifying, and not worried about a return on your expenditure. Ultimately a manual Jcw is more exclusive than a gp2 as fewer were built. Visit how many left.
I've upgraded every element of my R59 to Gp2 spec or far better.
Plenty of track time, but drive it roof down for fun, aero dynamics compromised.
I've not driven the challenge but own the F56 development car from carbon wurks ( check out the videos online) and since added KW-V3 and another 100hp. That is now my daily
So not an exact answer but as a second or 3rd car the roadster has more boxes ticked, if I had to sell one tomorrow I'd keep the roadster.
Or
Edited by blue al on Friday 18th September 07:09
I think the LCI2 ECUs were locked down until fairly recently and at one point something like a Bluespark or Hybrid Tune piggyback tuning box was the only option?
Added forge intercooler and remapped to 335hp, lots of other stuff also along the way, should do a readers ride thread on the pair of them some day.
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