Comments on: Go small or go home: MINI developing smallest model yet

By: JoshyLofty

JoshyLofty — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:12:58 +0000

FYI, i did some research after i posted about this & i can’t find anything either confirming or denying the 1.8L neon but i’m in a local Car club (3 actually, 2 specific to Dodge & Mopar, the other broad) and i’ve heard SO much on the 1.8L neon & the 1.8L being used in the Dodge Caliber in person but i can’t find anything online to support either way. have a good one!

By: JoshyLofty

JoshyLofty — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:00:42 +0000

3 speed? uhhhh…. ya sure? all that’s ever been in a neon is a 4-5 speed. & you may be right by the 1.8L in the caliber as even while typing that i wasn’t 100% sure but that’s what i’ve been told MANY MANY times. but there was a 1.8L in the neons new & old. as for the 2.4’s you’re right there. the neon’s never had a world engine. as for 2006 models, i bought my neon even when the caliber was coming out & test drove them both and hated the caliber over the neon even though the neon was discontinued. but for mine being an 06, it is true. the dif between the 05 & 06 R/T was minor trim bits & mine actually came with 16″ rims that were either dang close or just identical to the caliber but i replaced them with 17″ enkei. (sorry i’m a.d.d. & got off track) the 06 R/T has chrome badging but still retains a DOHC 2.0L i4 with badges on the rear “2.0i Magnum – high output) i honestly don’t know what the “i” means but its there. it is for sure an 06 as even my VIN number & side mirrors state. Another plus for the 06 model R/T was it came standard with a boston sound system and in dash nav. very nice for me as well.

By: vortec4200

vortec4200 — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 18:17:51 +0000

I’m curious as to know how you acquired a 2006 Neon R/T? The last model year for Neon was 2005, in the United States anyway. Unless you have a Canadian spec version or fleet rental, there was no such thing as a 2006 Neon R/T. R/T and SRT-4s were canned after 2005. The fleet rentals continued until 2006 and are sold as SE and SXT, both equipped with a 2.0L SOHC 132-hp mill dating back to the 1995 version. The Neon SRT-4 has 2.4L derived from the ‘96 Caravan base model (minus turbo of course), but it is entirely unrelated to the Caliber’s 2.4L even they both are technically the same displacement. Neons and Calibers do not share any common parts (except for maybe the Dodge or SRT-4 badges). The Caliber 1.8L/2.0L/2.4L engines are new from the ground up (codenamed 4B11). Neons DID NOT ever have a 1.8L in the USA version, unless they shoved one into the Canada market, which is what I’m suspecting or asking you perhaps? 1995-1999 Neons only came with a 2.0L SOHC 132-hp or a DOHC version (for Sport and R/T) with 150-hp. 2000 only had the 2.0L SOHC 132-hp, 2001 added the R/T 2.0L SOHC “Magnum High Output” 150-hp, and 2003 added the SRT-4 2.4L DOHC Turbo 215-hp (later 230-hp). I’m also aware that in 2004, the SE and SXT auto transmission became a 4-speed unit replacing the former 3-speed.

Believe me, I’m not trying to make a fool out of anyone here, but just to wonder and confirm my Mopar technical fid bits?

By: JoshyLofty

JoshyLofty — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 16:21:42 +0000

I know the Neon is no longer, I have an 06 Neon R/T currently. Side note: i love it— one of the best cars i’ve ever had. definitely top 5 & the neon’s even probably @ #1 or 2 spot. ANYWAYS I know what you’re saying & its true but the 1.8L in the caliber is the exact same 1.8L that was in the Base Neon SE and THAT is the engine i’m speaking about. Not the 2.4L or anything else. & i, too, was speaking about the previous gen Mini, not the current. I do realize the World engine is in it (the caliber). Its strange how all the car companies share everything.

By: vortec4200

vortec4200 — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 07:15:16 +0000

Actually JoshyLofty, the 1.6L previous gen Cooper’s block is unrelated to the Neon. Neon’s are discontinued. The 2007 Dodge Caliber (Neon’s replacement) is what you’re probably referring to, which infact IS related to the old Cooper’s 1.6L because they shared a common “global” co-developed design between BMW, the late DaimlerChrysler, Hyundai, and Mitsubishi (yes in the Evo X).

Remember the Dodge Hornet concept car? That was basically a rebodied Cooper S in terms of full mechanical spec hardware. It basically looks like a love child between a Dodge Ram and a Mini Cooper.

By: JoshyLofty

JoshyLofty — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 19:58:44 +0000

right…. i compared bentley to subi cuz you act like yours (if you actually own one) IS a bentley. i obviously know what i’m talking about. i’m done talking to you cuz its just pointless and you’re making something out of nothing. toodles.

By: 02WRXPSM

02WRXPSM — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 02:43:12 +0000

As long as you go comparing WRXs to Bentleys, you need to re-think the engineering degree; you’re looking a few brain cells short of a diploma, and by a few I mean a few billion. Next time you try to lecture someone on what they are supposed to post about, you’d better bring more than a four-letter word — oh wait, it is clear you’ve already given the best you’ve got.

By: JoshyLofty

JoshyLofty — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 01:09:55 +0000

C U N T. thats what was bleeped out.

By: JoshyLofty

JoshyLofty — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 01:09:36 +0000

you’re basically doing that, thats what the point is. & i’m not wrong (assuming ur meaning my neon mini association). did you not see that i’m an engineering student? we hear all kinds of crazy **** in the auto manufacturing world. so don’t be surprised. & the reason we’re commenting about ur being defensive… read some of your comments. you sound like a ****.

By: 02WRXPSM

02WRXPSM — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 00:38:34 +0000

Are you reading some context here that I’m not clued in to? How is it being defensive to correct your assertion, which remains incorrect? Besides, you’ve got me all wrong here, I’m certainly not considering my WRX to be a Bentley (one of the more ludicrously idiotic statements I’ve ever seen on LLN) and if I didn’t get the jump on those Mustangs, as I said, they would indeed beat me in a straight contest, right about 110 MPH when my turbo runs out of breath. If I was worried about my dick size, I’d be bragging about how my gigantic lifted F250 with 400hp and smokestack 4″ exhaust rolled over a MINI this morning and kept going.

By: JoshyLofty

JoshyLofty — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 21:36:58 +0000

i agree. “get over urself! its a Subaru, not a Bentley!” & thanks.

By: F3INT))AP3X

F3INT))AP3X — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 18:48:46 +0000

I don’t think there is any denying the great success of the MINI, and as it should be it is a great car and has been even though its been through like 3 or 4 manufacturers. Btw JoshyLofty good show, I like WRXs a lot but their owners tend to get pretty wrapped up about their cars.

By: JoshyLofty

JoshyLofty — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 18:03:27 +0000

well considering I’m an engine design student, you are wrong. Neon’s start @ 1.8L and go to 2 & 2.4. the 1.8L is the same BLOCK as the 1.6L in the last mini. not the new turbo’d minis. i never said they shared anything other than a block. & WRX, why must you always get super defensive on ANYONE’s comments? its not like anyone here cares how big ur dick is so what do you have to prove? PS – maybe you can get a jump on a Mustang but give a straightaway…. it might be pretty close. nobody said the mustang was a good SCCA car like the WRX has been proven to be. its a hot rod, your WRX isn’t. move along.

By: JohnnyBlazE

JohnnyBlazE — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:52:50 +0000

I don’t bother racing anything in my front-heavy 318is E30 with a 325 conversion and battery still upfront :s… that is… in the wet.

The back just leaves the road hehe…

In the dry however, I’ve tried a WRX and the first time I saw him on the dual carriageway we both floored it from 40mph but he was already a car length ahead when we did that – no chance!

The second time was much better. I dropped down sufficiently enough for him and gave it the beans, to leave less of a gap and was closing in on him (was right along his side) when he slowed down abruptly to take his turning. Always a fun guy to pit my E30 against but I know I’ll never win!

Good cars the WRXes… Still love the oldschool feel of my E30 though! Even with its poor 170ish bhp

Minis usually don’t trouble me much, even though they should… But they’re fake BMWs really, being FWD and all

By: 02WRXPSM

02WRXPSM — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 05:45:23 +0000

Dude, I eat Mustangs all day long, even when I lag behind them by 100 HP. Putting power down to all four wheels instantaneously can let you get the jump on anyone, even when they have a V8 . I hate street racers, I only pull the “3rd gear disappear” when I have a nice wide open stretch ahead of me and no rush-hour traffic. Unless some dolt comes after me in a Z3 or Porsche Boxter; then I find a nice right turn and take it and watch their car that cost twice as much (or more) squeal through and end up 2 car lengths behind. That’s one area a MINI could keep up with me; they have great handling, although the factory tires are not the best choice.

By: johnnycanuck

johnnycanuck — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 04:27:25 +0000

02WRX: since it’s probably the end of the thread I’ll admit to a far less flattering story where I took on a WRX in my Neon. Suffice it to say he took my lunch money and gave me the automotive equivalent of a wedgie. I wasn’t in tears because once again my beer was intact, but I look forward to a rematch. Only next time instead of a bringing a knife to the gunfight I’ll pull out my Mustang GT. Game on.

By: 02WRXPSM

02WRXPSM — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 03:50:44 +0000

JoshLofty, you are wrong. The Tritec engine in the early MINIs and the Prince engine in them now are nothing like the Neon block. For starters, the max displacement of the MINI is 1.6liters, while the Neon begins at 2.0. Second, the engine in the MINIs is of Brazilian manufacture, while the Neon motors were from Mexico and Michigan. You can source both of them back to the Chrysler K engine, if you want to go back that far, but the MINI motor is different in many significant ways, especially in the head and cam configuration and the fuel injection setup and method.

manarc, you clearly have no idea what a small car is, if you’re throwing around Camaros and 350z cars. Idiotic comparisons.

I have dolts in MINIs step up to my WRX all the time, and it all ends in tears. Just today someone in a nice silver-grey MINI S tried to pass me on the right-hand side on an acceleration lane onto the freeway. Needless to say, I put about 200 yards between us without even downshifting, but seeing as I had him beat by over 100whp that wasn’t particularly sporting of me.

By: manarc250

manarc250 — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 03:16:46 +0000

if you going to pay 25-30k for a small car why would you come home with a Mini. Just get a real sports car like an RX8, 350Z, Camaro (wherever its out), instead of a BMW tuned Aveo. Or a CPO BMW 3 series.

By: JoshyLofty

JoshyLofty — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 01:25:03 +0000

Cliff’s note: the block from a mini is straight out of a Neon.

By: johnnycanuck

johnnycanuck — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 01:18:32 +0000

I had an impromtu race this past spring with a Mini in my ‘95 Neon. It wasn’t much of a race really, as I had him by about 8 car lengths before I got into 3rd. I don’t know how tall he was but I’m 5′ 10″. I used to be taller. That was before I got married. I don’t have a lot of hair so there was no issue with the headliner. I didn’t spill my beer either.

By: Bimmer

Bimmer — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:59:22 +0000

Yep, I’m 6′5″ and have no problem with room in drivers seat. Back seat is useless, but same can be said about E39 5-Series when I’m behind a wheel

By: howsmydriving

howsmydriving — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:54:32 +0000

I hope the MINI Mini is sold in the U.S., is a big hit, and leads to the firing of the Ford executives who decided that there is no market here for the Ka.

By: TomF

TomF — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:19:28 +0000

I drive a MINI Cooper myself. I’m 6′0″ even and there’s plenty of headroom. I’ve had friends up to 6′4″ in the shotgun seat with no complaints. beatus must be doing something wrong.

The back seat is a different story. It’s basically a parcel shelf. And if a tall person jacks the front seat all the way back to the stops, there is literally no rear legroom.

Two taller-than-average people could go cross-country in the MINI though.

By: kl88

kl88 — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:06:10 +0000

betusmongous, you must well be the tallest 5′11″ person on earth cos I have many friends with Minis, had driven one for awhile (I’m 6′ even) and it’s almost ironic that those who are well beyond 6′ tall find they have ton’s more room both at the legs and the head, compared to the likes of BMW, Mercedes and other much ‘bigger’ cars… either that, or you’ve actually never sat in one and you’re just bored and so came out with this sack o s**t…

By: feariam

feariam — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 23:00:15 +0000

I’m 6′5″ and I have tones of room in the regular Mini Cooper. Yeah the seat is all the way back, touching the rear seats, but I don’t have a legroom issue, and I have tones of headroom.

By: Mr. Piston

Mr. Piston — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 22:53:08 +0000

oops GO SMALL OR GO HOME!!!!!

By: Mr. Piston

Mr. Piston — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 22:52:13 +0000

GO SMALL OR GO HOME!!

By: beatusmongous

beatusmongous — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 22:26:50 +0000

5′11″. I test drove a Mini Cooper and had the seat all the way back. I still felt too close to the wheel, and my hair was touching the headliner. My wife, who’s 5′2″, said she felt great in the driver’s seat, but when she was in the back, she said, “forget it.”.

By: Rafa LL

Rafa LL — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 22:16:59 +0000

how tall r u?… I’m 6′2” and can’t fit in any small-medium car back seat without gettin my hair messed up.

By: beatusmongous

beatusmongous — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 21:59:20 +0000

Smaller? I’m already too tall for the regular Mini, and I’m not THAT tall. I hope by “small” they mean “length” and not “height.”

By: autonut

autonut — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 21:55:01 +0000

I admire BMW/Mini ability to be in top of the demand curve. The rest sot of follows/