the Mini Cooper

The MINI Cooper was originally designed in response to British fuel rationing, when sales of large vehicles dropped dramatically, and German compacts grew in popularity. Head of the British Motor Company, Leonard Lord, hated the design of "Bubble cars" and set out to make a "proper" compact. Turned out the MINI is not only proper; it's a legend. Today, Cooper fans have a lot more options from which to choose. What is the difference between the MINI, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works models?

The MINI Cooper could hardly be described as "basic," but it is the model from which all the others spring. A new MINI features a 16-valve, 4-cylinder aluminum alloy engine, 121 horsepower, multi-link rear suspension, ABS brakes with Cornering Brake Control and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Dynamic Stability Control, 121mph top speed, performance suspension, Getrag 6-speed manual transmission or optional Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission, 5.7 cubic feet of space with rear seats up, 24 cubic feet of space with rear seats down, 32mpg combined, and the distinctive wide "bulldog" stance for which the Cooper is known.

This car has an MSRP of about $20,000 before options, making it a relatively affordable choice for car enthusiasts.

The Cooper 6 ramps things up with a twin scroll Turbocharged, 16-valve, 4-cylinder aluminum alloy engine. It boosts horsepower to 181 and top speed to 141, while lowering fuel efficiency only slightly to a respectable 30mpg combined. Many of the Cooper S's features are the same as the MINI, such as the transmission and cargo space, but the S model adds standard 16-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, and aggressive air-intake hood scoop. Some details are added to the S, such as aluminum alloy foot pedals and a chrome fuel cap.

The Cooper S has an MSRP of about $23,000; another affordable choice for those who want power and performance.

The John Cooper Works model is "bred for the racetrack." It offers another boost in power and speed with its Turbocharged, 16-valve, 4-cylinder aluminum alloy engine. It delivers 208 horsepower and a top speed of 147mph. It has more torque than the Cooper S at 192 lb-ft at 18500-5000rpm compared to 177 lb-ft at 1600-5000 rpm. Other features include Electronic Differential Lock Control, air-intake hood scoop, exclusive 17-inch Challenge-Spoke wheels, dual chrome sport tailpipes, and other sport details, like stainless steel foot pedals.