A “Which car” – MCS or ITR

A “Which car” – MCS or ITR

Author
Discussion

300bhp/ton

Original Poster:

41,030 posts

197 months

Thursday 8th October 2009
quotequote all
Following on from some of my other threads, what are people’s views on these two cars?

My take is they are quite similar yet very different, but both capable of doing the same job, as in being a fun daily driver with somewhat sensible running costs and comforts.

Both weigh about the same and have similar power.

I like the ITR for its looks (UK spec) and design intent. The passion gone into making it, I also know it’s a real driver’s car. But it is rather bland inside, a little chavy on the outside, noisy and not the most comfy.

Also they are now getting on a bit, rust seems it might be an issue on UK cars now as well and most have lots of miles on them 70,000 – 130,000.

The MINI Cooper S on the other hand is full of style, flamboyance and flare. I love the way these look too, although you see MINI’s everywhere these days. These too are meant to be fast and fun, although I’ve not driven one.

Early examples are newer than any of the DC2 ITR’s and there seem to be plenty with around 40,000 miles or so on the clock.




So assuming spending around £4500 on an ITR or £6500 on an MCS

Which is the better bet and why?

pimpin gimp

3,296 posts

207 months

Thursday 8th October 2009
quotequote all
Never driven a Jap car (save for my mega old 323 glx) but I have driven a cooper, and it was awesome fun. It's my g/f's car, and i do look a "bit" gay when driving it, but it goes well and handles well.

I imagine the cooper S is even better, my money would go with the MINI for sure, but again, I've no experience with the ITR.

vz-r_dave

3,469 posts

225 months

Thursday 8th October 2009
quotequote all
300bhp/ton said:
Following on from some of my other threads, what are people’s views on these two cars?

My take is they are quite similar yet very different, but both capable of doing the same job, as in being a fun daily driver with somewhat sensible running costs and comforts.

Both weigh about the same and have similar power.

I like the ITR for its looks (UK spec) and design intent. The passion gone into making it, I also know it’s a real driver’s car. But it is rather bland inside, a little chavy on the outside, noisy and not the most comfy.

Also they are now getting on a bit, rust seems it might be an issue on UK cars now as well and most have lots of miles on them 70,000 – 130,000.

The MINI Cooper S on the other hand is full of style, flamboyance and flare. I love the way these look too, although you see MINI’s everywhere these days. These too are meant to be fast and fun, although I’ve not driven one.

Early examples are newer than any of the DC2 ITR’s and there seem to be plenty with around 40,000 miles or so on the clock.




So assuming spending around £4500 on an ITR or £6500 on an MCS

Which is the better bet and why?
Bias opinion but the ITR is the quicker and more focused of the two. The MCS will be fun to drive and more comfortable but no more reliable.

I say the ITR all the way, especially as your saving 2K on the outright price. I would assume that the Honda is much cheaper to maintain as well.

Beefmeister

16,482 posts

237 months

Thursday 8th October 2009
quotequote all
Neither. Buy this instead:



http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1281885.htm

Sorry, had to be done....hehe

al3x.kay

4,786 posts

208 months

Thursday 8th October 2009
quotequote all
Personally I would go with the MCS if I had the money, you are not going to take the hit in depreciation on it. (not that you would with the integra either)
I have driven the R53 (superchanged) MCS and I have to say I don't think I have even smiled as much whilst driving a car.
The sound of the s/c is simply brilliant, it is fun in the back roads. and sensible enough down the motorway. it is also a very nice place to be as well!

Plus I do think they look cool.

daz4m

2,910 posts

202 months

Thursday 8th October 2009
quotequote all
Jag X type would be better.

kambites

68,438 posts

228 months

Thursday 8th October 2009
quotequote all
ITR. The MINI feels over assisted and numb in comparison and isn't even any more practicable.

300bhp/ton

Original Poster:

41,030 posts

197 months

Thursday 8th October 2009
quotequote all
Beefmeister said:
Neither. Buy this instead:



http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1281885.htm

Sorry, had to be done....hehe
wow thanks that really helps....

At least when I post them as options its too "which RWD coupe" type of questions.

rolleyes

RobM77

35,349 posts

241 months

Thursday 8th October 2009
quotequote all
daz4m said:
Jag X type would be better.
rofl

elster

17,517 posts

217 months

Thursday 8th October 2009
quotequote all
I haven.t driven the S Cooper, but if it is anything like the Cooper I would go for the ITR.

The DC3 ITR I have regularly driven is like driving on rails it just holds the road and is so much fun to dive.

300bhp/ton

Original Poster:

41,030 posts

197 months

Thursday 8th October 2009
quotequote all
daz4m said:
Jag X type would be better.
sorry I'll think you'll find cocksRus is further down the road on the left.
wavey

300bhp/ton

Original Poster:

41,030 posts

197 months

Thursday 8th October 2009
quotequote all
elster said:
I haven.t driven the S Cooper, but if it is anything like the Cooper I would go for the ITR.

The DC3 ITR I have regularly driven is like driving on rails it just holds the road and is so much fun to dive.
DC3? confused

daz4m

2,910 posts

202 months

Thursday 8th October 2009
quotequote all
300bhp/ton said:
daz4m said:
Jag X type would be better.
sorry I'll think you'll find cocksRus is further down the road on the left.
wavey
Meet you there so that I can laugh at you even more.

elster

17,517 posts

217 months

Thursday 8th October 2009
quotequote all
300bhp/ton said:
elster said:
I haven.t driven the S Cooper, but if it is anything like the Cooper I would go for the ITR.

The DC3 ITR I have regularly driven is like driving on rails it just holds the road and is so much fun to dive.
DC3? confused
Fat fingers syndrome.

Tea of Teabaggin

227 posts

185 months

Thursday 8th October 2009
quotequote all
300bhp/ton said:
daz4m said:
Jag X type would be better.
sorry I'll think you'll find cocksRus is further down the road on the left.
wavey
Hang on a minute while I compose myself.....after the sheer delight that you have just tea bagged yourself.

Previous posts where other PHer's have asked for car recommendations such as hot hatches etc, you have chipped in and recommended an X-Type 3.0 petrol 4wd I seem to re-call. Now you ask for car advice on a hot hatch/sports car and someone recommends an X-Type.

Why have a chip at them? All you have done is remove all credibility from your previous posts.

My work here is done........next?

Edited by Tea of Teabaggin on Thursday 8th October 15:39

Beefmeister

16,482 posts

237 months

Thursday 8th October 2009
quotequote all
300bhp/tonne - lighten up dude, it was all meant in jest...

Personally, even though it may be considered herecy, i'd go for the MCS.

As a daily driver its much better - more toys, a bit comfier.

With the age and mileage of ITRs now i would reserve one to be a weekend toy.

The MCS is a terrific car...

daz4m

2,910 posts

202 months

Thursday 8th October 2009
quotequote all
Chevy Blazer is good too, thought about that?

Edited by daz4m on Thursday 8th October 15:43

RobM77

35,349 posts

241 months

Thursday 8th October 2009
quotequote all
Both are great cars, with the emphasis on driving in the ITR, and everyday useability in the MCS. The MCS has a more adjustable driving position, but the seats are better for fast driving in the ITR. I've no idea which I'd actually go for, I guess it would depend on the type of driving I was doing. The ITR would probably hold its value better too, but I expect they're over-priced now for the age compared with the MCS because of their almost iconic status.

300bhp/ton

Original Poster:

41,030 posts

197 months

Thursday 8th October 2009
quotequote all
Beefmeister said:
300bhp/tonne - lighten up dude, it was all meant in jest...

Personally, even though it may be considered herecy, i'd go for the MCS.

As a daily driver its much better - more toys, a bit comfier.

With the age and mileage of ITRs now i would reserve one to be a weekend toy.

The MCS is a terrific car...
Cheers smile

I know it was meant in jest from you, but then you have people like daz4m who mean it in a very different manner.

daz4m

2,910 posts

202 months

Thursday 8th October 2009
quotequote all
Come on 300, just having a laugh. I love you like a brother.