BenHayat

Hi guys;

I'm not trying to be a troll. I'm asking this question from those who have physically seen RX8 and Mini S.

a) These two cars both rated fun to drive
b) They both "Look" very attractive
c) Both seem to have similar styling of driving (hi rev)

So, my question is, for those of you who have seen both, which one really takes your breath away?

Thanks!

wakeech

welcome Ben. we're not really troll hunters, it's just that some people are touchy when it comes to defending the love-of-their-most-recent-few-years-of-life...

anyhoo, for me the RX-8 is not only looks better (which is completely subjective, i know), but is undoubtedly faster, larger inside (haven't sat in the 8, but TRIED to in the Mini... no go), and more practical: the RX-8 still has a trunk when you have peopel in the back, not to mention those people don't ahve to be midgets or children to fit comfortably either.

on top of that, when looking at price, i think there's more bang for the buck in nearly every way (although i can't think of a downside, there probably is...) despite the RX-8's higher sticker.

please continue to contribute Ben.

P00Man

though they both look great, they are two completely diff types of looks, and i think the rx-8 looks better.

While the MINI S is like, practical joke cool, the rx-8 is like sophisticated kool. The rx-8 is much sexier than the MINI, but the mini is kool.
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pelucidor

Absolutely love the Mini Cooper S exterior (blue with white roof and British flag please) and there is nothing I'd rather have at $20k. But it's a little short on space and also FWD, and I hate the interior design and central dash.

However the RX-8 is stunning both inside and out - and it is a truly innovative design (unlike the Mini which is a supersized modern copy of an truly innovative design from the 60's).

Donny Boy

I think most of us here would choose the mini . . . not. While a great car, the mini is a different type of car. The RX-8 is rear wheel drive, faster, suicide doored, bigger, prettier . . . need I continue.

Try that on the mini site, your response would probably be the opposite of mine.

Welcome aboard.

Elara

The Mini is really cute- but I'm not a "cute" kind of person. The backseat is also very tiny, and the dash instruments in the center of the console drive me bonkers. And while I realize that no small car is going to be all THAT safe, if anyone hit the back of the Mini, anyone back there would be out of luck. There is at least a small crumple zone in the RX-8. And the RX-8 is just more elegant looking, IMO.

Welcome to the forum

Deadly Mantis

The Mini Cooper is actually pretty safe. Here's an article about a TREE falling on a Mini and the driver coming out unharmed:

http://www.minicooper.bz/MM/MINI_Meets_Tree.htm

lefuton

the mini was one of the cars i was considering before the 8, and i was really close to buying it, i think the mini looks a lot better moving than when it's standing still, something about the way those wheels roll and how it "looks" like it drives on rails whether it does or not i guess.

the looks of the 8 aren't drop dead gorgeous for me, but i do like it better than anything else out there, save for the FD's. i saw a couple posts here and there about wanting the hood with the louvres back... i for one am glad they are gone hehe, but that's just personal taste.

so to answer your question, i don't think either car really takes my breath away, but the 8 sure comes a lot closer, and when i'm done with it i think i can get it to a point where it will =)

-nate

Good Duck

The RX-8 is a better car than the MINI S, no doubt. But if I only can afford around $20k, then I would buy the MINI S in a heart beat. It's a stylish, fun handling car.

RotorGeek

The Mini is nice but it's a little too cute for me. I like the 8 becuase it looks ready to fly. I think the Interior is much roomier and nicer.
It would be a nice weekend car


Welcome to the board

Skyline Maniac

I think the Copper is an interesting looking car. It's cute, but guy can drive it without the fear of being called a fruit cake. It's definitely not a bad looking car, especially if you get the right color schemes and the Mini-S aero. My neighbor has one, and I think it's a nicely designed car, even with the optional roof rack. (That's how you are supposed to carry luggage plus 4 people in the Mini) The backseat of the Mini offers sufficient headroom, but there is no backroom there. I tried to sit in the back, and the front seats would be crushing my legs in driving position.

It's a sport car, much like how people describe the Miata, even though it's FWD. The Mini S is quite fast, very light, and many claims it handles like a go-kart. (more like a livable go-kart) The Mini is about 400lbs lighter than the RX8, and has around the same torque even though the power is only 160. Mini S might be more fun to drive than the RX8, even if only because it's so light and small. Tossable and nimbleness is the key here, I think. Safety wise, the lesser the weight, generally the less safe it is if only for the sake of energy distribution and inertia. The Mini is without a doubt, a fun to drive car. If you havn't driven one, head down to local BMW dealers and give it a shot. It's the type of car that will put a smile to your face even if only because you'd look so out of place.

The RX8 is a more attractive looking car, but people will stare at the Mini more, if only to snicker at it once awhile. The interior of the Mini is nicely done to match this car - funky. Personally I can not see myself driving this car and not get laughed at, but I am sure there are people who will pick this car over the 8.

BenHayat

All I can say to everyone who responded to my post, is "Thank you"!

Yes, the Mini is cute and certainly fun to drive (I test drove it) and that prompted this post.

However, I see certain subtle elegance in RX8 that prevents me of buying Mini BEFORE I have physically seen and driven the 8.

But all the comments were greatly appreciated.

MrWigggles

Isn't the Mini S $25K?

Its performance times were a little lacking if I remeber correctly. Something like 0-60 in 7.1 or something like that.

-Mr. Wigggles

WEAPON X

The mini vs the rx-8 isn't a fair comparison, the mini vs the beetle would be better. The Mini is cool I'd drive it but I wouldn't buy it(no trunk), It's just cool how it could probably fit into any parking space.

shkeller55

When I test drove a Mini S my teenage son, who was 5'9" at the time, said the back seat was very uncomfortable with the salesman, who was shorter than him, in the passenger seat in front of him.

I'm not sure I could get used to having the instruments in the center of the dash. A poor design from an ergonomic and safety standpoint.

I noticed that it was easy to heel and toe, but that was because EVERY time I hit the brake pedal my foot also hit the gas pedal - there was too little distance between them for me. And I only wear a size 12 shoe, which isn't all that big these days.

Still though, I think it looks cool, especially with the racing stripes. And handling-wise it was fun to drive. It's just not my first choice right now.

DakarM

MINI Cooper S starts at just under 20K. $25K is nearly fully loaded.

I have one on order with the John Cooper Works package which brings the HP to 200.

I'm currently trying to decide between the RX-8 and the Lancer Evolution.

But in any case the MINI will be in the garage (err driveway) before the year end.

I actually prefer the look of the MINI over the RX-8 (I have not seen it in person yet). I like small compact cars. the RX-8 while it has a long wheel base, looks small I like that.

Lancer Evolution, doesn't have that same appeal. So it will probably come down to the test drive.