Mini Cooper S vs Civic SiR

[alphalanos]

0-60? Skidpad? 1/4?

Favorite Overall?

[Moppie]

What year SiR, and what Year Mini Cooper S?

One started production in the 60s, and the other in 1988.
Both then got gradualy fatter and heavier and slower, untill production was stopped for a period.
Then both were put back into production as quite differnt cars from what they started as, useing totaly differnt platforms, engines etc etc. (in the case of the SiR it only resurfaced in name only, and has nothing in common with the orginal 1988 model).

That said I think the Latest model Cooper S would be the fastest of the two, but only just, and only because of its more modern design. An orginal EF9 SiR Civic would be as fast, possibly faster in a straight line, and comfterbly hang with the Mini in the corners. Infact, its quite possible its the faster car all up, it has similar level of hp, less torque, but its spread over a much larger rev range, and it weighs several hundred Kilos less. It also has a much more aggresive suspension set up to the Mini, its more aimed at weekend racing, while the Mini makes compromises to weekday useage.

Later models of the SiR were sadly softer, the engine might have had a few more hp, but it came at the expense of power else where in the power band. They also gained a taller gear box, which did a lot to blunt thier performance. The later cars also gain weight, and the suspension got gradualy softer and softer. At the moment the only SiR Civic model I know of is sold in North America, and is nothing more than a Type R with less hp. It would handle great, but give a lot away to the Mini in a straight line.
(A type R, any year, would walk all over the Mini).

The older, orginal Mini Coopers are not really fit for this comparision, thier age is such, that despite thier amazing levels of performance they would be no match for any SiR Civic model.

[crayzayjay]

I assume you're talking about the new Mini Cooper S, which i would undoubtedly choose in this comparison. So much more desirable than a Civic, and great, great handling.

[flylwsi]

the new sir does make more power than the cooper s, and the handling of the sir is not all that bad...
and they don't look bad, with their edgier styling (body kit)...

[crayzayjay]

True, the Civic doesnt handle badly at all, but i cant get past those mini-MPV looks one bit...

[MexSiR]

Well. I own an SiR 99 and Ive raced against Mini Cooper S two times. Races were programed so we raced from different speeds etc.

SiR - 160 H.P@ 7600 rpms Naturally Aspirated (5sp) 2550 lbs

Mini S - 163 H.P Supercharged 6sp 2570 lbs

When I raced him from a dead stop, he beat me by around a car up to 120 kph. When We raced from 60kph to 150 kph he only had me by half a car. So you can say it was pretty even. Im at 5400 ft above sea level, so at sea level I can beat a Cooper S since my engine gets more fu**ed up with altitute than the supercharged one does.

Both cars are rated at low 7s 0-60 mph, Mid 15s 1/4 mile, High 80s skidpad. Its all about taste.

[freakonaleash1187]

unless the sir can outhandle a porsche, then the mini is the best handling car here. i have read many a stories on the mini and they all say that it outhandles the 911. so that is pretty damn good if you ask me. personally, i would take the mini over the civic. for one i want to be different. but one thing bothers me about the mini, the speedo is on top of the center console.

[crayzayjay]

Originally Posted by freakonaleash1187

i have read many a stories on the mini and they all say that it outhandles the 911

From someone who's experienced both, let me assure you that isnt the case. The Mini handles very well for a front-driver, but it's no out-and-out sports car.