Difference between Austin Mini and Cooper?

[d3vine]

Does anyone know the difference between an Austin Mini 1000 and a Mini Cooper? The body style looks the same.

[d3vine]

So why would people pay so much for a Mini Cooper or S instead of just buying an Austin Mini 850 or 1000? Then modify it to the spec of a Cooper or S. Would that be cheaper by modifying a standard Mini to a Cooper or S?

[d3vine]

Cooperman, you never send over the spec sheet for modifying a 998cc engine.

Let's say, I would like to convert my 998cc Austin Mini to a Cooper S spec car. How much money would I need? Cooperman, do you have the spec for the conversion? Is the conversion mainly the wheels, tires, brakes, and engine parts? Does it need any changes to the exterior (body)?

What is the speed of the Cooper S spec car? 0-60 and top speed? Would it be possible to modified the 998cc engine to perform 60s in mid to high 6s and a top speed of 100 mph? Or am I kidding myself? Thanks.