DCT OR MANUAL MINI Cooper?

[@markday5797]

DSG for me as age and disability have me only able to drive an DCT. I always enjoyed the manual and shifting my own gears. But glad to be able to drive an DCT/DSG.

[@alzfantazy]

I have a manual r53 and and automatic r56, the manual is all I drive, it’s just better to drive unless I’m stuck in traffic.

[@jeandyn04]

I owned a manual R56 till past November, MOST FUN I EVER HAD. Besides the MINI I use to drive several lease cars, but nothing was compared to the MINI. Now I’m looking for a clubman 102 hp manual and hope to chiptune it and make some mods. Can’t wait to start the new adventure with my clubman😂

[@dunphyjp]

Manual all day! Even though it’s slower compared to most modern DCTs

[@carcreationsyt]

Thanks for the video! I would always choose manual, but I understand why some people get automatics

[@ckjl7704]

I used to own a 2012 R58 JCW manual and currently owning a 2016 mustang GT manual. I tested drove the new DCT cooper and cooper S recently (they come with sport mode in my country), not only both are not bad, the non S cooper model feels a bit lighter to maneuver (making turns). I bought one for my wife.

[@Schnitzeljunge]

8:27min R8 2. you can even shift by yourself with an automatic. I do it and its very fine.

[@stevemccrory9130]

DCT Auto = kissing Grandma DCT Manual = kissing your girlfriend / wife / partner / husband / boyfriend Full Manual = kissing your celebrity crush 'Nuff Said.

[@discerningmind]

Hahahaha!!! Very good!

[@fjp3305]

The best for what? In the city, with heavy traffic I'll go for DCT any time. In the country, it depends.

[@glennhennessy7243]

Good video , I love my F56 thunder grey met. but that British racing green is so cool !!

[@allen7218]

Got the manual in my 2024 Mini S. because it is my fun car and it's driving, not just riding in it. Too bad it is the last year to get it. For a practical car, would have gone auto trans.

[@dealman3312]

Drove an automatic 19’ countryman jcw today. It shifted nice but I want a manual, it’s all I know. The jcw felt kind of slow even in sport mode. Not as nimble as previous Gen

[@TheMINIac]

Engage sport mode, shift to sport automatic and then go for it.

[@gmarks1559]

DCT for life!

[@thomasmoore2356]

While I respect your preference on the seats, I must disagree with your opinion that the standard seats somehow are not good. I had the standard seats in my 2015 and I did not notice that much of a difference from the sport bucket seats, and I am one who loves to drive on the twisty's. I personally wouldn't pay extra for the sport bucket seats. Thanks for the video, I enjoy your content and look forward to seeing what's next.

[@oddities-whatnot]

Thats interesting to know. I had the bucket seats on a Cooper S but to hear that the standard seats are still good is useful

[@valeriobolzoni]

I own a manual new JCW from July... I tried the automatic transmission on my mom's new Countryman Cooper 1.5 ALL4 and the automatic transmission on Clubman JCW 306 HP... I definitely prefer the manual one on my Rebel Green John Cooper Works!!! 😉

[@oddities-whatnot]

I agree. I tested a JCW with auto box and really didnt like it. I got a Cooper S with manual. Great how it rev matches on downshifts, really clever touch.

[@paulr9572]

Personally I think the manual box in a Cooper S belongs in a tractor. Heavy and clunky. Quite hard to make fast changes when you're pushing on a bit. Its particularly poor if you compare it to something like an MX5 gearbox. I'm planning to buy another Mini in the next year, and will certainly try a DCT.

[@TheMINIac]

I disagree with your assessment of the manual gearbox, but I appreciate your viewpoint.

[@paulr9572]

@@TheMINIac Well having lived the UK all my life, and driven mainly sports cars with manual gearboxes for 40 years, I can honestly say that in my experience, the mini manual gearbox is poor. As I said, BMW need to learn a trick or two from Mazda.

[@TheMINIac]

I appreciate your insight. As I have not driven Mazdas, particularly the MX5, I would have no basis for comparison. I’ve mostly compared the manual in the mini two other manual vehicles I have driven in the past.

[@3kkk514]

All dual shift gear, dct dsg or what ever they call you feel the delayed gear changing and mostly software issues in gearbox.

[@Marcoshary]

I'm considering buying a Copper S and I haven't decided between the DCT and the manual. I really like manual cars but in my country, the Copper S manual is only available in the Exclusive version(more basic, without the sun roof), while the DCT has the Top version. Which should I get?

[@Marcoshary]

@@TheMINIac Thanks. With the manual one, you really feel more engaged right? Drivability is important for me.

[@Marcoshary]

@@TheMINIac Thanks

[@Cipherfoxx]

With the Cooper S get the Manual is more fun. As a previous owner I miss my Mini so much :( I’m going to buy another haha

[@Marcoshary]

@@Cipherfoxx Great! Thanks. Lol Over here where I live it's really difficult to find the manual. They only sold 100 of them here that were sent by mistake. I tried to find one to buy but it was really difficult, usually not in great condition more expansive, not top of the line and it usually sells fast. I was looking into one that was decent but it sold fast. I'm looking into a S Top model, I found one in very good condition and good price.

[@AmandaJayne46]

It’s an interesting 🧐 question 🙋‍♀️. This is what I do. I have a R56 I like the smaller Mini’s to be manual. However, my Countryman R60 is an automatic. It’s great to have the variant. 💋

[@tioo5265]

How does the clutch feel in the manual? T)

[@StuartLoria]

I have driven manual transmission all my life and I hate it, I respect everybody that can get joy out of something like that, but for me its just a pain in traffic, no chance to enjoy the car with that, it is not difficult at all, just, in the way. Whenever I go to the US I am delighted to drive automatic transmissions, I love to see that in Latin America and Europe they only have automatic transmissions for the mini, I am getting one this year, god willing.

[@pauljackson3529]

I have the the green one. I drive it changing the gears. By the time I hit the on ramp fourth gear at sixty 5th and 6th gear is quick. I drive big rig manual transmission. I like m DCT transmission.

[@discerningmind]

Very good, and I agree with you completely. I loved your comment about smartphones/texting. I'd like to make some points that might be useful. Manual Transmissions (M/T) keep driver's engaged in driving. That's the best part of owning a MINI, being engaged in the experience. I believe there are less accidents with M/T cars because of this. If someone isn't going to be engaged in driving, than by-and-large a MINI just becomes a fashion plate for those people. (Exceptions to those forced to sit in heavy traffic on a daily basis) Perhaps your dealership would consider offering stick-shift lessons to anyone wanting to buy a MINI with a M/T. I think upping the number of M/T driver's in the USA would actually bring a joyful enhancement to driving for the many who have lost that and driving has become a lack luster must-do. Increasing the number of M/T driver's would also pleasantly expand the minds of people that hadn't thought otherwise. In the day we live in, having fun has too often become a premium. Here's a situation when actually spending less money (by adverting the cost of an automatic transmission car, for a manual) would bring on the fun. One of the things that comes to mind is the pride one would feel the first time they pick up family or friends in their new MINI with a stick-shift. Wow! Pride and Fun! Adding to that, having earned the ability to drive 100% of the cars on the road, rather than just the ones that have an automatic transmission.

[@ProjectMini]

Can’t you still shift the dct manually?

[@mattolsen2576]

Yes you can if you push the lever to the left you put it into sport mode and if you push it forward while it is left you put it into manual mode and chose when to up and downshift. The car doesn’t select when it shifts you do. Just like the manual but a convince of an auto. You don’t need the paddle shifters.

[@eaglefit8239]

Cooper S is the only way to go!

[@eaglefit8239]

@@TheMINIac agree 100% if you have the extra $$$

[@gb5663]

Not if you're driving mainly in a big city

[@paatakvitsinadze4339]

Not just in coopers in any kind of cars I prefer a manual gearbox. I don’t get cars with automatic gearbox even in heavy traffics I don’t care. I love manual transmission cars it’s sad now days we are getting less manual cars but I still do transmission swapping from automatic to manual 😊

[@Rami-Iraq]

So Which one is better Manuel or automatic? I want to buy one but I'm confuse

[@schmoab]

I drove the manual and the DCT. The DCT is more fun for performance driving. I am a fan of manuals, but the clutch and shifter in the Mini S are just okay. I actually had trouble finding the clutch take up points. These are on the S models. I’d agree you should get a stick for the base.

[@ASecureLab]

never drove stick and found the clutch point first try... its seems very easy, not sure why some people actualy find it hard

[@pjb9022]

From my own personal experience I would say that the manual transmission is the way to go for a Cooper and the DCT is the way to go for a Cooper S.

[@blackduncan9812]

Totally disagree GP is the only car I'd say needs a DCT and that's because of its track ability and even then I firmly believe they need a manual. No mini has enough power to warrant the speed of DCT shifting. Only track rats need a DCT. Wanting one is fine they all should have the option for both. But a car as light and nimble and fun as a mini should have a manual transmission.

[@oddities-whatnot]

@@blackduncan9812 I agree. Manual for the Mini is the best. I picked up a JCW with DCT for work once and I really didn’t like the feel of the auto gear changes. I felt like I had less control of the power with the gears going up and down constantly.

[@TheMINIac]

@oddities-whatnot Surprise! JCW may have a similar automatic style shifter to the Cooper S with the DCT. But the JCW is an 8-speed Aisin Automatic.

[@desmiller4764]

Great vid very informative thanks 👍

[@naqqashsharif5561]

Owner of a Cooper S DCT. Absolutely no issues with delayed shifting... especially in Sport Mode. Zero regrets moving from manual transmission to DCT.

[@naqqashsharif5561]

The MINIac Yep. I would have gone with a manual, but once I found out about the S with the DCT, I was sold. My first automatic car ... in 27 years of car ownership. The car just goes and goes Like stink in S mode while in Mid, it’s acceptably responsive yet still very smooth. The throttle is odd but you get used to it. The engine and Getrag DCT combo are a super match. Only oddity is an extra heavy steering effort in Sport Mode. Thanks for a solid review of those two regular Coopers. I had a loaner Cooper with DCT and couldn’t come to grips with how dull it is.

[@gb5663]

The driving modes, do you mean green/mid/sport? I have a 2015 base model and it has that. Was that optional?

[@gb5663]

@@TheMINIac I didn't know that. Thank you. I wouldn't want the car without that. So is the default mode Mid on the base model now?

[@georgekalogeropoulos1813]

Is it better with drive modes and sport mode ? I am talking about Cooper and not Cooper s

[@scotts1409]

I have a 2019 cooper S with auto/paddle shifters. I always run in manual mode and use the paddles, just like a manual. Do you think the full manual is still better? Why?

[@scotts1409]

@@TheMINIac Thanks, MINIac! Love all your videos.

[@tkusterb]

Both cars were "regular" Mini Coopers, right? Not "S" models?

[@tkusterb]

@@TheMINIac Thanks for the comparison drives. My 2014 Mini is a manual and I love it.

[@rssummers7835]

Manual is the best

[@KCnLex]

Watched a bunch of your videos when trying to select which MINI and they were helpful. Just a suggestion from someone who has had long life of public speaking, try to avoid the "so". I bet you don't realize how frequently you interject "so", That being said "so" is still a vast improvement over "and, um" which my kids were fond of including! Keep up the good work, the videos answered questions I had and were appreciated.

[@mattolsen2576]

You say the DCT eliminated the sport mode then when you drive it you opt not to push it to the left to select sport mode. Or even put it into the manual mode that allows you to drive it to redline and shift when you want not when the car wants to.(kinda like a manual) So the DCT can be driven the way you say it can’t be. Your review needs work. And you probably should spend a little more time in the DCT to actually see what it’s capable of. And maybe drive it a little harder and selecting your shift points.

[@mattolsen2576]

@@TheMINIac no you said sport automatic and not needed in this case. The DCT has the sport mode you push it to the left. Like I said and if you want a manual experience with it push it forward while in sport mode and shift with the lever you don’t need paddles. It allows you to select the shift points and redline the car. It won’t automatically shift and gives you the control you want like a six speed. Then you drove it like a grandmother going to church on Sunday. Put your foot into it and see what your missing. Regular drive mode when comparing to a six speed when you want the performance of the manual you have to drive it like it’s capable to do. Driving 80 Mini coopers and you still don’t know how the new transmission works. If you want more off the line give it more pedal. And if you want to run it two pedal it and bring up the performance. Kinda like the launch feature in the JCW. It holds the brakes and launches at a preset RPM. Hold your brake and release at 3-4000 rpm. Use the manual mode and downshift

[@_davidfoster_]

OK …..so….. Automatic DCT transmission stick movements….. To go Forward..? You pull the stick BACKWARDS To go backwards…? You push the stick FORWARDS.. 🤔

[@turhangokhan]

Where do you find the 2021 models? All the new ones in California are 2020

[@turhangokhan]

@@TheMINIac Oh, wow! I was about to get a new 2020 Countryman. I guess I'll wait a few more months to get a 2021, or get a discount from the 2020. Thank you!!

[@chrisbelgrade7902]

Are all the automatics with minis DCT

[@Izzyzilreads]

Is the auto in the earlier models still good ?

[@Izzyzilreads]

@@TheMINIac I'm looking at an s and I haven't learned how to drive manual yet so I wanted to know if the auto was any fun

[@mrraps101]

When did they do away with selectable drive modes?

[@blackduncan9812]

@@TheMINIac wow way to BMWify the Mini cooper

[@blackduncan9812]

@@TheMINIac I say that b/c BMW always makes cars less fun for the US market even though it positions its self as the driving machine.

[@blackduncan9812]

@@TheMINIac I understand simplicity at the same time mini is a brand thats all about customization not having the option at all is just not as good

[@mrraps101]

On the miniusa site it on the convertible it says s and works models have the driving modes standard

[@KS-ro6in]

DCT or manual transmission decision??-- you neglected to mention that the 6spd manual is a 0 cost option. The DCT is at least $1200 extra right? Once you factor that into the decision it is easier to save yourself some serious $$$.

[@charliekilo8944]

Love the BRG!! Still SO salty about the lack of it for the JCW 😤 Manual all the way!!

[@charliekilo8944]

@@TheMINIac bet it’s certainly possible!

[@lambatfitness5474]

Basically a cooper is made for the average person, maybe even more for a female( they don't care for performance) The cooper S is more of the performance Car , and the tune on gearbox is different like wise for the jcw and gp. I feel if you want performance, buy a sports configuration if not then expect less performance.

[@TheMINIac]

Mildly sexist statement regarding women driving cars. I know some competent female racing drivers who drive stick, or DCT, and put some men’s driving skills to shame.

[@ZakariyaRashid]

2:49 (bookmark)

[@mrraps101]

When did they go to a dct transmission?

[@mrraps101]

@@TheMINIac I'm looking to pick up a jcw convertible in automatic from 17 and up since I think that's the first year of the body change? I don't generally like dct transmissions. So on the jcw transmission 17,18,and 19 are 7 speed regular auto and 20, and 21 are 8 speed regular automatic?

[@jaratt85]

Why is the brown such a rare color on these cars? They look so good in it and I've only seen one for sale in the last 5 years or so in my area. Oh btw, hi again Miniac I'm back! :P With gas hitting $4/gal again I'm back to looking at Minis because there's nothing else I'd own that gets that good mileage and doesn't feel like I'm being a pretender buying a used luxury car. (Volkswagen CC gets the same mileage.. cool looking car but... yeah too pretender for me) So what you're saying is buy a S because the base model is under powered and the trans only makes it more sluggish.. Green, black or brown are the only ways to go IMO :D I had that problem when I drove a Ford Fusion.. That thing is dangerous to drive and unlike most things I've driven it's not because it's fast.. it's because it can't get out of it's own way let alone anything else's. Sure if I would've put it into sport it might've woken up but I didn't even know that was an option. I floored it down an onramp and by the end I was doing 40mph. I'm sorry but you better be able to hit the speed limit by the end of the onramp or around here you are going to be a logging truck's hood ornament.. which if I hadn't hit the brakes, I would've. The only thing I hate about Minis is getting back out of them. As a heavy and tall guy with knee issues it's definitely a bit of a feat to get back out of something so low. I definitely need to go drive a Mini S Clubman auto and see how it feels.. I just can't stand sitting in traffic with a clutch anymore. That 2006 Mini S 6 spd was definitely fun to drive though, even with 3/4's of the windshield was covered with the price tag. (seriously who does that, felt like Ace Ventura trying to see)

[@GaetanoCrisci]

yeah you right discovered why in Europe we still use mainly the manual, the logic under the automatic, also if the most direct and faster dual clutch, can't know what you want to do just by how you press the gas pedal...! (we only regret the automatic in city traffic, and that many times not marginal...)

[@joespinach]

MANUAL!

[@rugged04270]

Your opinion lost relevance when you tried to say the DCT was the same thing as an automatic, too oversimplified.

[@GarroLegionofOne]

A Mini with out driving modes 😢

[@______________173]

It's not DCT! It's a Japanese gearbox more similar to a torque converter.

[@TheMINIac]

You’re incorrect. It’s a 7-speed dual clutch made by Getrag. Please do some research. I did. And my info is also confirmed by the folks who sell them as well as the MINI Plant.

[@TheMINIac]

And if you’re arguing this because of the shifters, the JCW with that style electronic shifter is a Japanese torque converter transmission. It’s an 8-speed Aisin. The shifters for the DCT and Automatic look the same. The difference is the 7-speed DCT and the 8-speed Automatic have that shifter with a red stripe on it usually. The 7-speed DCT in the Cooper does not. But while the 8-speed is made by Aisin, which is Japanese, the 7-speed is made by Getrag, which is German.

[@ajaxb.1971]

Love the review, but feels a little biased

[@admiralkhalifaalqubaisi3770]

6 speed all the way

[@ikarugaxx3749]

Thanks for trying to... shed some truth on the automotive market.

[@unknown_truckers]

Nahh bro DCT does not shift like an automatic. I wouldn't sound biased when making a comparison. But the rest of the video was good.

[@EVOASSHOLE]

If only they came with a 5 spd

[@richie6921]

I hate manual transmission cars. There's nothing but roundabouts and traffic light where I live

[@NAURIS5]

"expert" :)))))))

[@gorsneg]

Why in hell this intro

[@paatakvitsinadze4339]

Life is to short to drive boring automatic cars even fancy double clutch’s or dcts. Manual transmission everyday more fun 🤩