FiST compared to 2011 Mini Cooper S at the track.

[praecurvo]

Well, as it says, I'm comparing my 2015 FiST to my older 2011 Mini Cooper S. Unfortunately, I never took my FoST to the track due to the brakes tendancy to overheat way too early.

The biggest difference I noticed is the brakes in the FiST lasted for the entire session (6-7 laps) all three sessions. The Mini's pedal became soft after 2 laps. Even with RBF 600 fluid in the Mini and completely stock in the FiST.

Also, the Mini is faster in a straight line and certainly feels faster. The FiST pulled 107 mph on the back straight whereas the Mini pulled 113 mph. Total lap time in the FiST was 2:20 compared to the mini's 2:17, similar conditions.

Another suprise was the FiST's lack of ability to rotate properly compared to the Mini and on a side note, especially compared to the FoST.

However, what I liked most about the FiST was its ability to set up on brakes before a turn. It loads well and turns in well. Also, on a slightly banked right hander, I managed to pull 1.1g! Yes, it was banked, but most of the cars there wouldn't dare to take it as fast as the little Fiesta.

Overall, I am very pleased with the way the car handled itself. The brakes impressed me the most. I will however be re-enforcing the chassis and adding some more power as well as better tires.

It really is exactly what I expected it to be and with just a few, inexpensive mods, will be the perfect track-rat for both my wife and I.

 

[praecurvo]

Oh yeah, and those Recaro's! So much better than the sport seats in the Mini.

 

[PhoenixM3]

Well, as it says, I'm comparing my 2015 FiST to my older 2011 Mini Cooper S. Unfortunately, I never took my FoST to the track due to the brakes tendancy to overheat way too early.

The biggest difference I noticed is the brakes in the FiST lasted for the entire session (6-7 laps) all three sessions. The Mini's pedal became soft after 2 laps. Even with RBF 600 fluid in the Mini and completely stock in the FiST.



Another suprise was the FiST's lack of ability to rotate properly compared to the Mini and on a side note, especially compared to the FoST.

However, what I liked most about the FiST was its ability to set up on brakes before a turn. It loads well and turns in well. Also, on a slightly banked right hander, I managed to pull 1.1g! Yes, it was banked, but most of the cars there wouldn't dare to take it as fast as the little Fiesta.

Overall, I am very pleased with the way the car handled itself. The brakes impressed me the most. I will however be re-enforcing the chassis and adding some more power as well as better tires.

It really is exactly what I expected it to be and with just a few, inexpensive mods, will be the perfect track-rat for both my wife and I.

Nice write up! I've had 3 MINIs and 2 M3s and really look forward to delivery of my ST. Nice to hear about the brakes, but would've thought the FiST to be faster in a straight line....

 

[praecurvo]

Nice write up! I've had 3 MINIs and 2 M3s and really look forward to delivery of my ST. Nice to hear about the brakes, but would've thought the FiST to be faster in a straight line....

Thinking about it more, there was a decent crosswind on the ST day. So, there's a chance that affected it more than I gave it credit. Still though, if memory serves me correctly, the Mini did seem faster.

 

[shouldbeasy]

Have you tuned it at all?

Grab an AccessPort and it will really liven up the first two gears.

 

[frankiefiesta]

Have you tuned it at all?

Grab an AccessPort and it will really liven up the first two gears.

^^^ what he said

Good write up. I was torn between the fist and a new mini s. Basically came down to the fact they both performed almost the same (from what I could tell) only the mini was $4k more (here in the U.S. Both 2015 models)

 

[praecurvo]

Will get an access port soon. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[carramrod]

On a road course, you are very very rarely in 1st and 2nd