Experience with Mini Cooper S (F56) so far - comparison with Z4

[zriha]

Gents, Z4 is now in hibernation as Mini took over the primary role of our transportation, so we already covered about 3.000 km. And last weekend we went on a short road trip to Florence (we love that place, and it was the first place for our road trip when we bought Z4, so it is kind of a tradition).

First thing, luggage area:

We bought some bags, because, for Z4 it's better to travel with bags than a suitcase, as you can use more space in the trunk. For a trip of 3-4 days, I recommend the Thule 40L bag, it's amazing. So, there is enough space in Mini's trunk for several days.

Regarding fuel consumption, I was amazed, we covered with 1 tank distance from Zagreb to Florence, or around 600+km. There is the statistics for the whole trip:


Comparison with Z4:
- everything is harder in Mini - suspension, seats, steering wheel
- Mini has good cruise control, so on highways, I was always on cruise control maintaining constant speed - 110 - 140 km/h
- General impression - driving in Z4 E85 it is much more comfortable than in the Mini, the reason is the longer wheel base also, and everything is softer - sort to speak.

Bonus photos:

Beautifull Triumph at the first place we rented for a stay, just beautiful.


And yes, Palazzo Vecchio always impress me.

 

[tomscott]

So that works out at 45mpg?

My Clubman JCW averages about 37 but generally dont do much more than 100miles at a time. Ive had 45 out of it on long trips up to Scotland but obviously is quite a bigger can and has more power than the normal JCW to make up for it.

They are great cars although the 2 doors the luggage area is really small. Ive had about 8 minis so far and have 2 dogs which is why I like the clubman. Its not the best looking thing but there is no torque steer and with the 4wd system and pushing its so planted and fun to drive you can feel it rotating round your hips. Was really impressed with it compared to my older Cooper S hatch.

 

[jamie_z4]

I've just bought my wife her 3rd F56, a 1.5 mini cooper D auto, in Moonwalk grey (i think the same colour as yours)or whatever it is. They are great cars and a claimed 70mpg its going to be far better than her Evoque auto diesel which was struggling to do 30!

 

[inkey$]

Our F54 Lapis Luxury Blue Clubman (non-S) regularly see's high 40s/early 50s mpg on a run if treated in such a way. Even with just a 1.5 turbo engine, its like a little go kart with great gearbox and by far the most fun I've had in a family whip. More than enough space for 2 x kids and kit for a week away somewhere.