Mini cooper S weight vs TI weight comparison
 

I found this and thought it might be a little interesting. The mini cooper S weighs approx 2678 lbs the 318ti with manual trans weighs 2778 lbs so literally 100lbs more. Performance wise if we gained another 25HP we would be about dead even on wieght and HP. The only thing is the Mini if FWD where we are RWD

I think Steven is the one to ask about this topic ;) What do you think, any comparison between the two?

It's tough for me to compare the two. I haven't driven a 4 cylinder ti in 3 years. I will say the Cooper S off the line at an autocross is slow. I don't have the technique down but I believe you need to keep the revs up, then drop the clutch. It takes a little while for the Cooper to get up to speed. As they say, there is no replacement for displacement. I have no experience with a DASC either.

The two cars are very different and you can't compare them.
I love them both but I'd be heartbroken if I was to loose my ti.

I will say a MCS will pass me on the track in my 328ti.
I've been passed by a well driven 318ti too. ;)

I think the Mini shines once it is up to speed, not off the line.
The Mini also handles better in rain and snow then my ti.

I will say this the mini coopers 6 spd tranny is awsome, I wish we had a 6 speed. As for speed the one I drove seemed a little quicker than my ti, but not by a drastic amount, but I gotta say the blower whine is sweet. I am a little embarassed to say it, but I never did use the 6th gear because I forgot it had it till I got out of the car. Just not used to it I guess.

The tranny is nice! Very precise.

The SC sounds real good on cool mornings.

How about if we gain around 140-150hp and loose the spare tire, use carbonfiber hood and a 15lb battery?