Cancelled the JCW Mini, bought the R32

wow, no comparison, the R32 rides better, more room, alot more power, not to mention it's awd, and it's true German engineering instead of a mutt !!!! now i need a digi cam and take pics

I'd have picked the MCS without question, but I can't argue with the fact that the R32 is a great car too. I just prefer the looks and handling of the MCS by a landslide. Personal preference I guess. Still would like to see some pics though, in typical forum fashion

well i do prefere the mini looks myself, but i was actually suprised when i drove the R32 that it handled better and rode better, not to mention it was 3000 bux cheaper

but you know, that the R32 doesn't get continued because there's a new Golf/Rabbit out already? Don't know about the us, but over here (Germany) you would loose the price-advantage when selling the car again, because the resale-value on the Mini is way higher than the R32 one's... Greetings shneapfla

There is just something about a MiniCooper. It's got charisma, appeal, a sense that it's a car apart from others. VW is nice, but it's a VW.

i was surprised to read in the last AW, that the r32 weighed 3,400 lbs!! a little porker...

nivek i believe you made the right decision. the r32 is faster, more comfortable, handles better and will probably be more reliable. as to resale, it is unpredictable and should not be a prime consideration. i also like the stealth aspect of the r32--like the look on the drivers of bmw 330i's when you blow them away!

The r32 is a great car. I've had 4 GTIs. the A4 GTI is an amazingly well built car, and with the r32 they finally got rid of the torsion beam rear suspension. One of the things that keeps me away from a Mini for a practical "driver" is the lack of a spare. I don't know why, but this has weighed pretty heavily on me not buying several cars: M3, M5, MCoupe, Mini...

I guess opinions will be opinions, but in my opinion there is no way the R32 outhandles the MINI. In fact, I feel nothing but a P-Car does. I think that the VW is far too prone to body roll and feels heavy. Still a great car, I just happen to love the MINI

nivek - You made the better choice. Mini is well...mini! MCS is an awesome car and I respect it but for me it's too small and impractical. I need a car that I can carry two large dogs in and more than 2 bags of groceries. R32 really surprised me. What a fantastic car! Just like the Mini it's German thus well made. The motor is sweet. It handles great. Steering could be livelier but for a daily beater it's great. It's U.S. version of an A3 or VW version of an Audi TT (WITH 6 SPEED). I'd love to buy an R32 to replace my S4 but my car is too new.

That's basically what steered me away from a very nice jazz blue anniversary edition. There's too many people/kids my age in Los Angeles who buy a 1.8T Golf as soon as they're old enough to drive. The cars are great, but way too common and definately not unique any more. Also, the handling doesn't really stack up to the MINIs, a lot more roll and much softer. You need to sink a good $3,000 into the Golf's suspension to get it up to par IMHO.....looks cool once it's all stiff, going around a corner with the inside rear wheel in the air though

Just to make sure we're all on the same page, the R32 golf is AWD, and has a multi-link "real" independent rear suspension (very similar to the audi TT, fwiw), and handling that is light years ahead of any other Golf we've seen here in the states. The motor is a honey as well: 3.2l VR6, ~240hp Will it outhandle a Mini? Doubtful, but it's in another league when compared to the rest of the Golfs/GTIs we've seen.

ZAMIRZ - He's comparing the JCW Mini against the R32. Lot diff. The R32 IMO is a quantum leap better than the regular GTI even the 20th anni and 337. The anniversary edition handles great! It still isn't as flat and stiff as a Mini but it's tons better than a regular GTI.

well the R32 supposedly got 71 mph through the slalom, but that was some euro article i read, i have yet to see anything from the States about it, and since i drove the Mini many times, and hard might i add, and the VW just as hard, the mini is definatly lighter feeling, but handles better? probly not, might could, and then it might not, its close enough that it didn't matter, not to mention the simple mods you could do to the VW to squeeze out a few more HP without going to the 500+ hp TT mod for 5500 bux, about the same as the JCW price, but instead of 37HP i could get over 260

Huh? Anyone get the last post? Speak English, man.

Preferences aside, I think it's great that a bunch of us who drive Porsches are laying praise on 2 cars that cost less than 30K. It's a good time for sports cars

the mini is a woman's car...

sorry bout that, i tend to ramble on, not to mention if im not typing computer code it's almost as if i can't speak

Interesting comment. Tell that to Paddy Hopkirk or John Cooper. http://www.autoweek.com/search/searc...00250&record=1

BostonMarkC - I just caught the quote (sorry not trying to hijack post). I remember that article. Great stuff.

I also bought the R 32, better performance and size than the Mini. Also you don't have to live with the whine of the supercharger. There is not much wrong with the Mini...but R32 got me to part with my money.

Same here, happy owner of a Silver R32... sweet car. Got it yesterday.

I always liked the GTI. I have an original 83 mk1 GTI that I've converted into a dedicated track car(engine swap from stock 90 bhp to 150hp motor). Stock weight on my mk1 gti is 2200lbs I'm now at 1750 lbs dry weight. But damn it's expensive to make it track worthy(and bills still coming-sick addiction). Paid 650 for it ended up putting 15k on it. IMHO-both cars are great but I would take the r32 myself. Regards. Mike

thats just marketing... BMW is the best marketing machine I've seen out there...... why would you buy a 1.6 litre supercharged car when you can have a 3.2 6 banger that has pedigree... too many people succumb as victims of marketing... I still think the mini-s is a POS (IMHO) the R32 has so much going for it... the mini is a tin-can... GOD help you in an accident!, also quality is an issue with the MINI... BMW makes it

I like both car each one has its merits. The mini would be great as a toy, it has the small size and go-kart like handling. I agree they won't be as good as a daily driver as the R32. I have always liked GTIs, and I agree it has more power and is larger and more comfortable. IMO I would buy the the R32 for the same money, you get more for it and its more usable.

I'm jealous. If they had plans for a yellow R32, i would have waited for it. But damn, that blue sure does look good.

Here is my new toy: one more

I'm jealous too. I bought a WRX wagon instead of a 20ae GTI, primarily because of the AWD (and the promise of stronger reliability), as my "SUV". If the R32 had been available at the time it would have been a tough call.

Ya, like no other car companies use racing for marketing...hmmm. Also, you remain uninformed. The MINI has excellent crash ratings despite its size. Like it or not, BMW has some good engineers too. And VW's aren't exactly trouble fee, I'll have you know.

racing for marketing.... hmmm not like BMW they don't... bmw takes it the full country mile... it's not the racing I speak of but the fact they get it into movies and get suckers to buy it because it was in a movie!!!.... what a joke!!! It's not what I like.. its what is fact... BMW quality ratings suck.... although I do like their cars... save the mini ... it sucks.... the mini has excellent crash ratings... BULL****... show me... the golf has pedigree and the mini doesn't have any... all it has is the problems that I read about over the newsgroups... the R32 has evolution behind it.... and a big motor, not a ****ty little 1.6... you think for the money they can give you sojmething bigger but for the money they sucker you into exactly that : "a mini"

Is that a large shoulder pad you're wearing or do you have a super-sized chip on your shoulder? Perhaps a full-blown therapy session about your woes with BMW and your obsession with the Mini would be of help to you. Both the Mini and the R32 are great cars, but people should be allowed to make their choice without having it irrationally trashed by someone who has not offered one supporting fact to back up his point of view. Do you have any?

You are really good at talking out of your a$$. Here are the test ratings quoted from Edmunds: Safety: All Minis come with four-wheel antilock disc brakes assisted by Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Cornering Brake Control. The S model also includes traction control, and should you equip either model with the Sport package, you'll get Dynamic Stability Control. Other standard safety features include a flat-tire monitor, side airbags for front occupants and head curtain airbags for the front and rear. The Cooper earned four stars for frontal impacts in NHTSA crash testing and four stars for side impacts involving front occupants. In IIHS frontal offset crash testing, the Cooper earned a "Good" rating (the best) and was named a "Best Pick" among small cars. On your two other points... MINI has a history of race victories and cutural importance, kind of like Porsche. The R32 began its life as a Rabbit, although clearly the GTI line has evolved and culminated with the wonderful R32. Also, if small displacement engines are so bad, maybe Porsche should stop giving us (assuing you have a 996) these beautifully engineered Flat-6s and throw a Dodge V10 in the front. I'm not arguing that the MINI is the greatest car ever, but it bugs me when people express their opinion by calling things POSs or junk and have no data to back up their assertions.

Heres some more out of my A$$: yes among small cars.... R32 has better safety cause its bigger and tougher Dude, GTI has been around since 1983! and has been the trailblazer of the group for these types of cars... GTI started it all!!! I do have a Silver 996 and the 3.4 litre engine is awesome... 3.4 vs. 1.6 is not comparable... what the f*** are you talking about? what the heck are you going to do with a 1.6?? that things gonna break on ya cause its a crap motor... especially supercharged... VW motors are tough as nails... the VW may have a few glitches in the electrical department and other bs but the motors are great!!! IMHO mini is still a POS -> people who buy one want the attention of driving a "cute" car... still think its a woman's car and a POS. whatever you say your not gonna change my opinion of the car... although the marketing of the car was brilliant cause were sitting here on a porsche forum and talking about it!

You still provide no evidence that the MINI is a "POS", but we're all entitled to our opinion. I guess we'll just agree to disagree. Not much I can do to change the fact that your bias is causing you to miss out on a great car. More for me that way FWIW, the VW is also classified as a "small car" by the testing agencies, and MINIs were around for 20 years before the GTI was even dreamed up. The rest of use here are talking about these cars b/c they are great cars for the money, not b/c they are marketed well.

c70pete, Even though I think I might agree w/a few of your points in concept, they get lost behind the fact you're being ***. Chill, you're ruining this thread.

c70 pete, from your replies it seems as though you lost your virginity in a VW and your mom got killed by a BMW, for 1 reason or another you have made some strong baseless stereotypes. I have a MINI S and it's an excellent car, you clearly have no idea what you're talking about and provide no concise data as to why you feel that way. I've had people tell me they don't like my car and think it's ugly, but that's subjective and I can respect that. Your arguments are on par with an 8th grader's english paper, some of your wisest comments include: "R32 has better safety cause its bigger and tougher" excellent reply, you should be a lawyer "Dude, GTI has been around since 1983! and has been the trailblazer of the group for these types of cars... GTI started it all!!!" Oh, in that case, since it started it all then it must be the best. Just because someone is 1st on the block doesn't mean it'll stay that way, as a matter of fact it becomes the benchmark for other cars to beat. "what the heck are you going to do with a 1.6?? that things gonna break on ya cause its a crap motor... especially supercharged..." It's a crap motor, with forged internals that can handle as much as 300whp on stock internals. As a matter of fact, the Getrag 6-speed box is the weakest point in the drivetrain and gives out long before the motor has any problems. "IMHO mini is still a POS -> people who buy one want the attention of driving a "cute" car... still think its a woman's car and a POS. whatever you say your not gonna change my opinion of the car... although the marketing of the car was brilliant cause were sitting here on a porsche forum and talking about it!" Blah blah blah, we can tell you're an ignorant moron who has a hard-on for VWs from your replies that give NO CONCLUSIVE EVIDENCE, just "it sucks cuz I said so"

c70 pete, I guess I'm a woman because I have a Mini. Somehow, I don't think you'd think so if we met though.

Hey ZamirZ, your the ignorant moron... you bought the mini-s!!! why shouldI give you conclusive evidence.... who the f*** are you so I should provide evidence... I have a strong dislike for the car along with many other R32 owners who would never buy one...I was just stating my opinion allong with other facts!. -> yes it is bigger and tougher and will do better than a mini in a crash... that is a fact... if you don't like the way I say it thats your problem not mine. Also, its ok if somebody doesn't like my car... but for you it seems to be an issue... do you need my approval... I don't like it... for me its the R32 between the two.... you don't have to go analyzing beyond that dude. And yes it does have a feminine quality to it.....

yah... I guess I wouldn't I see your avatar and slogan... your a tough guy... okay I conclude that tough guys drive minis... whatever dude

ZERO EVIDENCE to backup your claims, you can't even come up with an NHTSA crash-test comparison between the two that proves your point. You are providing 100% opinion, with ZERO fact. Like I said, your arguments are on par with an 8th graders english paper. There is no issue from my side of the table, I only asked you to provide FACTUAL EVIDENCE of your claims and you cannot do that, which leads me and everyone else here to believe you have a grudge against the car for 1 reason or another and that your opinion (which you are trying to make us believe is fact) is tainted, flawed and invalid. have a nice day. A list of your claims that you've provided no concrete evidence for: The R32 is safer, and specifically because it's "bigger and tougher" The MINI's 1.6 liter motor is going to "break on ya" and specifically, why it is a "crap" motor. "VW motors are tough as nails"

well... if I knew I was going to be in a crash... I'd pick the R32... sure the mini has good crash rating... and I've seen that published a few times... its kind of necessary to tout this because that is one of the concerns highest on the list when you buy a mini ya know - "will the tin can hold up?" I think I would rather be in the R32 and I know there are those would agree with me on that one... no I don't have conclusive testing #'s and I'm not gonna provide any... common sense tells me that that bigger stronger car will shield its passengers more effectively than the mini. 1.6 motor is small.... thats why it needs a supercharger... and forced induction motors do have long term reliability problems.... you quoted 300WHP... ok... for how long... I can get the same out of my Volvo C70... (as there are people who are getting thse HP figures) but for how long!!! the mini-s is new... the Golf has pedigree behind it and has been built by the same company for the last 20 years, and has large following... my respect goes to the R32 no doubt the mini is here to stay.. based on how quickly it penetrated the market there are those who love it... and it will evolve... I wouldn't buy one based on many other opinions I have about the car that I'll refrain from articulating at this time. VW are tough motors ask anybody who's had one... their motors are great... now thats not to say the CAR itself is not without problems he he...

common sense tells me that that bigger stronger car will shield its passengers more effectively than the mini. Not so - check government figures 1.6 motor is small.... thats why it needs a supercharger... and forced induction motors do have long term reliability problems True if not engineered properly the mini-s is new False: the Mini was launched in 1959...a good few years before the 911. The Golf wasn't launched (let alone the GTi) until 1972 VW are tough motors ask anybody who's had one False - check JD Power for Golf IV and Jetta IV

Wow, this thread really went into the dumps. Is the original Mini not the most sold car in the world? Or maybe i'm thinking of the original beetle? Perhaps Pete was alluding to the Mini S, and not just the Mini. It cannot be argued that the Mini is simply not the same vehicle it was 20+ years ago prior to bmw's recent takeover. In order to sustain bmw's high quality of safety and prestige engineering, i doubt it was built on the same chassi as the original. The older one's never had any type of forced induction? Please correct me if i'm wrong.. I suppose the only way to finish this is by having an auto-X duel: R32 vs mini.. my money's on the R32.

Than you didn't see the dateline videos of the F150 crashing into a wall going 30mph. They couldn't even get the dummy out, it would have taken the jaws of life. The Toyota, on the otherhand, did great. This is a classic example to show how far engineering can go, and how little common sense you have.

you know i like going to the bmw z3 coupe forums and starting a dumb thread just to see who blows up, but this thread really beats them all, because i was just giving some info on a purchase i made and everyone blew up , i need to post another thread but im afraid you guys might have to beat the stuffins out of each other

F150 - well thats American trash for ya...... also I don't know anybody who crash their car into a wall technically speaking if an F150 hits you from behind your gonna move cause its got a ton of weight and their is a concept called "weight-transfer" now if you get hit by a mini from behind.. yah that simulates running it into a brick wall now... what about getting t-boned @50 MPH.. would you rather be in the mini or in the F150... I think your "common sense" would fail you then, as well as the mini!

I'll do that... ... wait and see on this one... lets see how many "blow" no ... it is NEW... BMW makes it now.. its new for BMW... the 1959 mini was an econobox... the GTI on the other hand was sporty-economy ok.. they had some problems... but doesn't mean VW are all crap!!

At the risk of weighing in here, I've driven my Mini S for 15K. Not a defect or single problem..a slight rattle that was fixed at 12K service. A few months ago I was rear ended , sitting in traffic. Hit hard enough that the car that hit me was undrivable, and I was driven into the car in front of me. I got out expecting to see a disaster. A minor scratch in the bumper cover, slight dent in the front bumper,and a bent exhaust. I was hit hard enough that the exhaust was driven into the battery box, bending that pretty well also. As for the cost comparison between vehicles, the works kit @ 5K plus is a non factor. Spend $1,200-1,500 on aftermarket parts and get that puppy going. perry

I've heard the "Works" Mini S is sort of hard to pass (on the track.... of course). Haven't heard any issues from friends who own one. At least not like the M3's oil starvation issues or our (996) RMS'. From what I've heard the Mini S AND the R32 are two great cars. Haven't heard too much on reliability on the R32 though, they just came out. A friend just picked one up.... we'll see.

what is the "works" kit? can i get a list of components that are in it? what about HP increases? does it include any suspension changes? EDIT: never mind, i found this article on it: http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/030417-8.htm

FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! Given the reliability of VWs recently, I'm not so sure I'd pony up any money on a VW (inclusive of Audi). Although the VR6 is a sweet motor...I have a 95 VR6 that I drive, but when I get back, it's going to be given up in favor of japanese car. As cars get more complex, they get less 'reliable' because of inherent complexities. The mini falls under the same category in my book. An acquaintance has a Mini-S. Falling apart. Another friend has a VW Jetta...falling apart. I'll stick to my Porsche, because with a year's worth of ownership, it's visited the dealer a grand total of ZERO times. It's more reliable than my Audi. Safer? I can't find a god damn single crash test for the 996. Anyone have that data?

Admitedly, VW quality is not at the high standards it use to be and they know they have some issues... although I knowof many who own them and are very happy... AUDI... well why would you buy an audi... they've allways been **** cars from the start...!! for that kind of money just stick with the VW... reliability sucks... everybody I know who has one says the quality is lacking... heaven forbid you buy one of those beautiful Audi A8L the mini-s I expected to fall apart... BMW builds it..... Japanese cars have the best reliability (and Porsche 911's) I use to own a 1992 MR2 Turbo that was modified and we got together with all the other owners and drove the **** out of them and the cars never complained!! cheers Peter

What bothers me with the mini is how little space between rear bumper to rear passenger. I hate to be the one in the rear seat with an hummer h2 slamming me. But I do like the size and its a definite advantage on the track. Maybe mini will have an M-variant(take the old e36 m3 motor if it fits maybe even the e30 m3 motor). But I still take the R32 over the existing Mini S. Regards. Mike

OK, Jyoteen, what are you repacing the Jetta with?

Fun thread! I'll just add my personal observations... I have a 98 New Beetle with the same suspension and 4-Motion setup that the R32 has and it has the 2.8L VR6 with a nice turbo for about 380HP. I also had a MINI Couper S with some mods that took it 200HP and a nice suspension. Took both to the race track and there is no question that the MINI walks all over the Beetle (basically the same car as the GTI/R32 with different body) so I have hard time imaging that the R32 in stock form drives better than a stock MINI S; the 700+ weight penalty alone is big disadvantage for the R32. On the other hand, despite tearing apart my New Beetle it has been quite reliable. The MINI S on the other hand was flatbedded twice in the 6 months that I owned it. There are LOTS of issues with the MINI. I steer everyone away from them and tell them to get a GTI instead! They are both fun cars and offer rather different personalities and utility. I'd take the R32 over MINI S; and yes, I'd send it to HPA Motorsports to pump it to 550HP (same company that did my Beetle). As expected, both are leagues behind a P-Car! Here is a link to my former MINI (check out the mods and in-car track footage . MINI Page

Are you kidding me? If the Mini has side impact airbags , like any other bmw, as well as my Golf, than yes I would rather be in the Mini. If the huge engine isn't enough to stop any impact in the cabin going 30, what makes you think you are any safer behind the door of an F150 going 50? Now, a Toyota truck on the otherhand, maybe. But bottom line, there's a reason there's such a thing as crash-ratings

Pete, I think the MINI quality is hit and miss. I guess I lucked out and got a hit, because the only problems so far (at approximately 6,000 miles here, and most recently some hard canyon carving) are "fading" of the black fenders and a rattle from the hatch lock. Knock on wood, I haven't had any mechanical issues or cold-start problems and I find myself driving it more often than my 911SC . BTW, love the Beetle, that's some wild work you've done to it. My father had a black beetle daily driver, it was the bigger naturally aspirated 4-cylinder and that thing was a lot of fun with excellent visibility. Unfortunately, I felt the car just didn't have the directness and was a little too soft, I still love 'em though and wouldn't mind a nice charcoal Turbo S.

I won't respond to the above... your answer makes no sense to me... regarding crash tests... lets see the crash-ratings for the mini... the mini is the obvious underdog here... so lets see them... your telling me that a huge truck like the F150 will outperform the mini in a crashtest... BULLLLLLLLL**** I don't bye it... show me the crash tests...

I ALREADY SHOWED YOU THE CRASH TESTS IN THIS VERY THREAD!!! As a side note, someone on one of the MINI forums rolled his car last week at 50MPH...and walked away.

as for VW quality, i had a '99 passat with the 1.8L turbo and i never had any problems with it. of course i only drove it through 38K miles before i sold it, but i had zero warranty work, and zero problems. the car was bulletproof, and really really fun to drive, never mind very nice looking IMHO. the 5 spd in that car was as smooth (or maybe smoother) than the 6 spd in my C4, and in general it was a ton of fun to drive. plus the interior on the car was really nice, probably nicer than my C4.

ZAMIRZ - Yeah, the MINI's are definitely hit and miss based on the MINI owners that I know personally and what I've read on the MINI forums. My Beetle started out with the same 2.0L 4 cylinder, it was gutless, hence the mods. Of course, now the R32 is basically the same thing and a lot cheaper than having it done after the fact; all it needs is a couple turbos I'm tempted to buy one and do just that

kind of makes me wonder how much performance you can get putting on two mid size turbos....!!! can the R32 handle the juice...?

550HP Take a look at www.hpamotorsports.com. The VR6 and Haldex AWD are VERY tough.

R32 all the way, baby!!! I made my decision mainly because of its feel and mature/manly look. Screw the reliability issues. I got mine last weekend and I cannot stop smiling since.

Read it if you wanna know more about the feel of the R. I would also have used the same terms if I have to write a review about this particular VW. http://www.pistonheads.com/doc.asp?c=119&i=6453 It just simply better than the Mini from any point of view.

Fun article, but this statement comparing a C4 to the R32 is quite over the top: "In fact, the only significant difference between Wolfsburg�s finest and the pride of Stuttgart is the styling."

Wow! This thread is exhausting. I think I'll just read the 993 Forum from know on. Lots of mean people here :-)

Aside from looks and handling. Just my $0.02 of course

I just got a wrx wagon as my everyday car. Its pretty nice for $23.5 and, when you wind it out, it goes pretty good for a 2 liter powerplant. Its a decently balanced package and they are reputed to be pretty reliable.

Ok, now that things have cooled down, I'm going put in my 2cents. Personally, they're both cool cars, and it probably boils down to preference. I haven't driven the gti, but I have driven a mini cooper/S when they had the test-fly a mini thing in Toronto (~1 hr on a 2nd gear autoX). Anyway, that was a hell of a good marketing ploy, and it completely changed my opinion about the mini. I found the mini has the 'feel' to it, similar to the Porsche feel. The mini inspires confidence. When you're at the traction limit, you feel perfectly safe and know exactly how much more you can push it. The mini is just plain fun. Other pros for the mini: 1)Rally Legacy 2)Looks way better in my opinion 3)Aren't American VW's built in Mexico? Of course to make any real conclusions I would have to drive the GTI too, but I would lean towards the mini currently. Although I wouldn't get a mini right now (even if I could afford one) because they need to work out a few bugs I think. I really don't like the speedo and everything being on the center console and not even being angled towards you. They need to mount it beside the tach on the steering column.

well baron if you drive a GTI then you won't be driving an R32, they are totally diffrent cars in performance and handling

I don't understand what that means?

Peter, THE R32 is the souped up 4 wheel drive 6 banger motor that puts out about 240 HP with a 6 speed tranny and recaro seats, great brakes and an awesome suspension.... leaps and bounds ahead of the GTI... but the GTI is still very fun to drive. What blows all these in performance is the EVO the one coming to America next year.... 0-60 in 4.3 seconds and 12.9 1/4 mile... a few exceptions though... its a pure racer with no bias for comfort and although it performs it is BUTT ugly.... maybe they'll make some changes to styling... if they did I 'd buy this over the R32 in a heartbeat (the evo is also AWD) cheers Peter

Peter are you referring to the Lancer EVO? WHich one is that-the MR version or a Lancer 9? Regards. Mike

Mike, its the MR version... the EVO 9 should be really special... haven't a clue on the details of the 9... lets hope its better looking... Mitsubishi is aiming to re-define the word VALUE as it pertains to sports cars. cheers Pete

I know what you mean about looks- my friend has one and can't say enough about performance per dollar and incredible potential for tuning but it's looks is like a four door sedan with an added body kit-doesn't flow right in my eyes. I'm hoping with the new version maybe the EVO9 more rounder lines instead of the block edges. Are you sure the MR will be released in the U.S.? Regards. Mike

Mike, They wont release the MR... they will call it the RalliArt or something like that... I actually read that... also, its questionable whether the electronic yaw systems will make it here to the USA regards, Peter

Yep.

it needs to go on a diet... say shave off at least 400 lbs and then you got decent power/weight ratio.. given 240 hp stock... @3400 = 14.1 @3000 = 12.5 and better braking and handling.... then... strap on twin turbos for another 80 reliable HP and you got 320 HP and less than 10:1 ratio... now were talkin! :O!

Yep sure wish cars were liter in weight like years before. I have a MK1 GTI and damn weighs 2200 lbs dry weight and after stripping of unnecessary weight it's down to 1850 with me in it and a full tank of gas(10 gallon fuel cell). Talking about turbos-neone has a VW/Audi 1.8t code AEB engine/tranny/wire harness laying around somewhere : )? Regards. Mike

HPA's twin turbos pump it up to 550HP! 0 to 60 in 3.2 seconds

ya the twin turbo's get's 550 and more, even the supercharger gets it to 350hp

with that HP how long will it last... or do we care..? Peter

I'll let you know as I'm having the 500HP version installed in my '98 New Beetle

Is this HPA turbo car the one tha twas on european magazine comparo tests and they had to lower the boost down to 300 hp for the track session because tires would lite up and even that it still spun tires at 3rd gear? Don't get me wrong but it's great they can push the hp/trq envelope but is it all usable : ). regards. Mike

I've driven several 500HP HPA Beetles and they grip like mad. Rev to 6000 RPM and drop the clutch and you go! I don't think that was an HPA car in the comparo.

ya i agree, if it didn't grip well then it wouldn't have posted a 3.2 0-60 and an 11 sec 1/4 mile