DRAG RACE! Can The New Electric 2020 Mini Cooper SE Beat A Performance-Tuned JCW On The Track?

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( www.TFLcar.com ) It's the past versus the future, gasoline versus electricity, turbocharging versus...charging. Does the 2020 Mini Cooper SE have the punch to beat its ancestor - a 2010 Mini Cooper JCW - in a drag race? Let's find out!
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#Mini #Electric #JCW

[@FrankyRedEyes]

Step on the clutch, fall behind.

[@shadowdance4666]

Yew can take yor damn vacuum cleaner and shove it wear da son don’t shine

[@reko3103]

Buy the e-Mini. Then use the tax returns to buy the JCW.

[@LafemmebearMusic]

The edits on this video are stellar guys! Man you all are reallly doing great work on all your channels.

[@Ishecotec]

Thank you for taking the time to make such a real world comparison.

[@Bryan46162]

I think there's going to be a huge 2nd hand market for the new electric mini. I looks like a fun car but the lack of range relegates it to the status of a 2nd car, at least here in North America. I could not justify spending that much on a new one for that reason but in a few years when the value has dropped, this thing could be an extremely fun, cost effective, reliable city runabout!

[@Isaac-un4cn]

Once you own an EV, you will realize that your EV is actually your 1st car, while your gasoline-powered car is relegated to secondary status, used only when you don't have the option to drive the EV.

[@PoonFlavoredTang]

Isaac range is a problem. I drive 150 miles a day back and forth to work. That makes the ev mini pretty useless.

[@mikecarter2737]

We have 89 mile range BEV. Regularly drive 300 miles per trip - just charge up the car; only takes a few minutes. Need breaks anyway.

[@instigator9896]

@@PoonFlavoredTang Not at all? 75 miles to work is within the range of the full battery of the Cooper S Electric. Then plug it in while you're at work, and you are ready for the 75 miles home! Also, 150 mile commute is unreasonable. The average commute in US is 29 miles/day. 150 miles is WAYYYY above average. That's at LEAST 3 hours of driving every day. What a waste of time. I much prefer to be with my family or doing my hobby. I only spend 40 minutes a day driving to/from work.

[@unconventionalideas5683]

In the real world TFL has found it more like 150 miles or more. And it does have quick charge. So it is not such a bad car.

[@BecauseMiata]

The reason that the JCW saves you money is because it's old, so its savings is upfront when you buy it used. The SE will save you money in the long run if we're talking about cost of ownership. My family owns an older Mini Cooper and a Tesla Model 3, and as much as I love shifting my manual cars...the Teslas instant torque makes me soon forget about it.

[@jtr990]

One advantage of the Mini EV: No shift shock.

[@TriviaChallenge]

There are countless advantages to EVs.

[@NakulDesaiTechGuy]

whattt shift shock is fun 😂😂

[@derekchisholm972]

Looks like both of those would pass the visor test so it’s really down to preference...

[@ronh2660]

Or rewinding satellite radio

[@eurotrash4643]

😂😂😂

[@dh-1399]

but what's the Doug score?

[@derekchisholm972]

Dougscore of 69

[@dh-1399]

It's been interesting to watch Roman's evolving (and devolving) opinion on EVs over the past few years. I feel like I've gone through the same basic trend... excitement of a new technology that's markedly different from the ICE and torque converter automatics we have grown bored of but at the same time being appreciative of what good old dino juice can accomplish when you just need to get something done.

[@waynegray453]

You guys really do live the dream...cheers!

[@cypvh74]

Do you have a list of track lap times for the various models you have tested?

[@azera55555]

would love to see a dually go around this track XD

[@JSpool1]

I bet pops forgot to disable dsc and press the sport button for the added boost 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@ataboytube]

Tommy, an engine detailling video should be great(either for your car and for educational purpose 😋)!

[@bwarren228]

I’m surprised you guys didn’t bring the GP

[@karlo9535]

It won't finish the track

[@TFLcar]

W W This was shot before we owned the GP

[@regsparkes6507]

I need a minimum of not less than 190 miles range on an EV that I might buy. But I love the Mini!

[@czwhat328]

I wanted one but then I read the range. For almost the same money you can get a model 3.

[@regsparkes6507]

@@czwhat328 Yes, there's the 'hitch',...but 'they're' working on it,...longer range batteries I mean.

[@andrewcoggan9651]

@@czwhat328 You can buy 1.5 SEs for the cost of a Model 3 - 2, actually, if you file your taxes completely independently.

[@StormRoxas]

Even my daily driving habits aren't so bad/long but that miniscule of range just won't do. I mean the now Honda I believe should be the shortest electric range at approximately 150. Anything less is impractical.

[@GustavoM90]

The electric mini can easily achieve 140 miles on eco mode still not the best range but ya model 3 is only $35000 for the base you just have to ask for it in store because it’s not available online

[@zerocochrane1713]

Something is wrong with that old mini on this test. I have Mini Cooper S, year 2008(175HP), and measured time from 0-100km/h is 6.9 seconds, and this electric is 7.1

[@FrankyFeedler]

A) The Cooper S won't do all of 175hp after 12 years. B) The Cooper SE on a reasonably full charge does 0-100 in 6.5s- 6.6s in sports mode. It is rated at 7.3s and only really does that when almost fully discharged. C) Being electrical with modern traction control, the SE eliminates any operator error on the clutch. Ergo, even the JCW is not physically capable of being faster in this test, even with a perfectly clutching/shifting driver.

[@cypvh74]

Would be interesting to see lap times for all the current EVs. Especially model 3 and Taycan.

[@terryrodbourn2793]

You should talking about level 2 Charger or CCS only charging! That is important in Electric Vehicles!

[@regsparkes6507]

Great stuff,...but I aint gonna drive my Mini like that,...main reason for that,.....my Mini does NOT have a Turbo Charger! I can here Tommy screaming at Dad right about now! WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO MY CAR, GEEZ DAD!

[@kevindt1350]

You should compare mini F56 S vs mini F56 EV

[@andrewcoggan9651]

I have yet to see a head-to-head race, but the SE goes 0-60 in 6.4 seconds, so it should be very close.

[@Taylor-tc7cs]

What about the Electric vs GP?

[@johnpearson492]

I had the near identical spec Mini S with the JCW tuning parts but mine was a 2013 with the N18 engine. The 6 speed manual was brilliant and really is what made the car fun, that and turbo lag that gave it real character. If Mini put a real manual into the electric one (I'd take a smaller less powerful motor), I'd be all over it like butter on a hot baked potato. I know it's not the best performance or likely highest efficiency option, but it would bring the fun back, and that's what Minis are about, fun.

[@Stevonoles1]

How about drag racing a 2020 vs 2020?

[@TheDisBeat]

I have a 2007 Cooper s non jcw with no mods and mine would smoke both. Something is wrong with that one didn’t sound like sport mode was on and traction control off....

[@roguedogx]

0:55 I'm betting the 2010 does better based on tires alone. If they both had piliot sport cup 2's, and the suspension on the SE got a proper retune, it would be a very different outcome.

[@michaeljeffries2365]

Do the wheels on the electric look like a British electric plug?

[@garys2157]

Yes, think that was intentional.

[@jmoropeza]

Yes they do

[@mizaqenyad4269]

To be fair though, that JCW isn’t “performance tuned” it looks bone stock. No upgraded intake, turbo tubing, intercooler...

[@CaviDS]

sorry, there is more than the air box and exhaust to the JCW, bigger turbo and different programming plus the air box and exhaust you mentioned

[@casperhansen826]

You know it is serious when you leave the roof rack on

[@sirgalahad1470]

My 2010 Cooper S gets 30 mpg, is a blast to drive, and since it is now worth only like $6K at most, it's extremely cheap to insure. If I buy new, I would rather put my $30K toward a Boxter or a Cayman.

[@TheDavisDennisShow]

Coming from a former N18 owner, seeing a N14 engine really makes me cringe, but I hope that it’s been holding out for you guys!

[@HoosierDaddy_]

Andre the Hummer driver likes electric Minis? Unlikely! Love your reviews Andre!

[@DuaneCaldwell]

That new SE is a tempting e-car, especially with electric car tax incentives. Thanks for doing this comparison!

[@tobyhall7617]

The black car looks like it has winter tyres on

[@MatteoTortello_com]

Electric...no doubt! ♻️🔋👏💪🔝❤️

[@jonathanb8336]

Great idea to leave the roof bars on, must help the aerodynamics no end🙄

[@idparkinson]

Take the roof bars off as they will impact performance

[@mbiker345]

Boy the range on that electric sucks. It seems to be a really good car beyond that.

[@minimanadam]

Coopers dont have a hood they have a bonnet

[@fopm008]

I have a 2019 Mini Cooper JCW, chipped and tuned if you have any interest in using it for the series

[@TFLcar]

Thanks for the kind offer. We’ll consider it!

[@Nickwillfixit]

Get Tommy to remove those roof bars I think it could have got under one minute fifteen and increase is fuel mileage, I was surprised the difference when I did this with my Juke Nismo.

[@jaybee2344]

Well the gas version (premium gas) will suck once gas prices goes up.

[@buildmorefarms1007]

Romans launch at the track was really good, minimal wheelspin! Id take the gas version.

[@adamwatl3772]

Great comparison. I will say the way you lean against the frameless window at 11:18 made me cringe.

[@Gabriel2.0]

imagine how much faster those cars were if you would have cut the mcdonalds

[@paulsmith-ld8xl]

Sweet

[@mrartdeco]

Should call it a Mini Cooper Pikachu because of the yellow color

[@ivannarvaez367]

Guys, please wash and wax that old Mini.

[@davva360]

I would not buy either but if I had to have one it would be a tough decision. Minis are not known for reliability but the electric one should be a lot more reliable. Obviously a massive price difference though and the electric mini has terrible range.

[@martydavis9777]

Please race the Spark against the Mini electric

[@Rob-ze1wi]

I have a 73 mini 1.275l engine. Im in broomfield. I d like to put it up against em.

[@danatkinson6698]

Jcw mini ftw! Roman lost a few seconds by missing shifts

[@AubryMadgin]

Good content but pleaassse use a decent mic in the car!

[@StormRoxas]

Should have power shifted. Stay on the throttle between shifts

[@EvendimataE]

does being electric means cheaper to maintain than the gas engines that are known to be unreliable?

[@christophertice7664]

That MINI S would likely out preform the SE quite handily without the studless snow tires...

[@STOP2NWO]

And... PASZOL... Hahaha Andrej you Russian connection ;) Regards

[@profesor2001]

Both cars are awasome and fun, just diferent style and... yes, past sound freaky better

[@mowcowbell]

The electric has the advantage of having a barrel of fun without drawing attention to yourself (and the local police).

[@davisflyer]

For fun, I'd take the older model every time. Manual, nice sounding exhaust. Fun.

[@cypvh74]

davisflyer poisons your neighbors, good times.

[@davisflyer]

@@cypvh74 Um, yeah, whatever

[@Rob-rg7ix]

The Jcw can be driven much faster!

[@jdear97]

I have stayed away from Mini's because of the poor reliability. My i3 has been rock solid and the Mini is a neat package for the i3.

[@kb9oak749]

If Roman makes all his shifts Old Mini wins the road course race and wins the dollars per smile race hands down.

[@beaubeaukitty5301]

Well you can pull the motor on the 2010 six speed and potentially build a far more powerful than the factory electric car? Electric motors are actually old tech. Though we’re just now developing batteries strong enough to unplug them and wonder about. Please do pull the gasser motor and compete with the factory build all you need do is find a cad designer to mate the bell housing onto the electric synchronous bldc premium efficiency motor to the transmission and clutch plate in doing so you then send a clear message to the manufacturer for example “ We Are Gear Heads! So Please Don’t Take our gears away!” We surrender our combustion engines but don’t you dare take away our six speed transmission which do not give off emissions

[@ronsmith7880]

Tommy's car is better...his JCW gets four stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐Its a Manuel♥

[@bertito43]

Ron Smith I didn’t know Tommy’s Mini was Hispanic

[@SirHackaL0t.]

Perhaps have a section titled ‘is it sustainable’ or ‘is it spewing CO2 into the atmosphere’

[@mikecarter2737]

Don't know if it is an act, but EV-hater Roman is range-obsessed, which is so 5 years ago. On all your comparisons, you ignore emissions produced AND amount of energy used (BEV much more efficient). Set up your straw men and knock 'em down! Crank up that average world-wide temp!

[@williamrogers8299]

That's not a JCW just an appearance package on an S. Big difference, not saying it's a bad car, just call it what it is... Like a 340i sport package with the owner putting on m3 badges

[@petercoyne8300]

One does 80 miles full charge let’s just end the debate there, you can barely go the shops without having to recharge it 😂

[@ouch1011]

I normally really enjoy TFL videos, but Roman seems to be absolutely hell bent on trashing the Cooper SE. In the Loveland Pass video he spent the entire time trashing it for range, fun factor, price for the fully loaded model they have as tester, despite the fact that it is the shortest range and least expensive (base price) EV you can currently buy in the US and the base MSRP (new) for the car they were comparing it to is basically the same as a base Cooper SE (its substantally more expensive when adjusted for inflation). You can't compare used car pricing for a 10 year old car to a new car, they are not the same. Despite all of that, it still made it up the mountain and back down to a fast charger without issue. The issues you had with the fast charger and the subsequent high price you had to pay was down to user error. In this video, Roman spends the entire video trashing the Cooper SE for being boring and trying to compare the price of a brand new car with a warranty to a 10 year old worn out Mini. I'm sorry, but that highly flawed comparison really shows your bias. Of course the 2010 Cooper costs less than a 2020 Cooper, its 10 years older and completely out of any warranty. At least compare it to a brand new Cooper JCW, which starts at a higher price than the fully loaded Cooper SE when you include the tax credits. We won't even mention the fact that any EV that isn't a Tesla usually has deep dealer discounts in addition to the tax credits. Roman then goes on to trash the Cooper SE for being less fun than the Cooper JCW. Loud exhaust and shifting gears is fun on the track or a twisty back road, not so much in typically city driving or commuter traffic. Plus the SE outperformed the JCW in both of the measurable tests you put them through. If you can't test a car without being biased and refusing to admit it's strengths, don't bother testing it. Or at least if you are going to trash a car, make a valid argument.

[@mikemorris3421]

Take the roof rack off, it must add drag.

[@bryannelson2020]

Love your videos, but just a little piece of advice: How about you have the cars washed before you film? The SE is looking good, but just because the JCW is old, it doesn’t mean that it should be filthy.

[@TFLcar]

We always wash our cars but it rained on the way to the track. We only have limited track time so we could either shot the video or wash the cars. We decided to do the video.

[@0tispunkm3y3r]

Mini E has a cradle that the motor and inverter sit in and it mounts to the original engine mounts. Pretty nice solution for building ICE and EV on the same line. They should have made a clubman EV really. I don't really know why they did the 3 door when you consider in Europe 3 door hatches are a dying breed. Even popular hot hatches started to be offered in 5 door only some time ago.

[@garrettm7993]

I would get a plug in hybrid, I drive too much to rely on a full EV. The old mini is a way better deal, it’s cheap and even though it costs more to fill up with gasoline it’s still cheaper then almost 40k for the EV. It would take over a decade to see any savings from the new mini compared to the old one.

[@Supcharged]

That really isnt the point of EV city cars though

[@hobojon44]

Who can use tax credit or how do I use it

[@minimanadam]

MinE has wayyyyy to short of a range , that was dumb . I understand why they had to but it's just not going to sell well with that short of a range . I'd want one if it had another 100miles of range and the extra weight would be acceptable based on how well it performed

[@justinfowler2857]

Owned a mini once. I stress the once because they're junk vehicles. Fun to drive while the warranty is in effect. Otherwise they're maintenance nightmares.

[@Jacob._.0619]

Turn off all the traction and stability controls and have fun with it! So much mechanical grip from minis! That’s why I love mine!

[@karlmyers6518]

How can you compare them with two drivers and one being especially poor.

[@cypvh74]

Karl Myers yeah, they should have switched drivers.

[@brandonanderson4117]

The JCW can be driven way faster, keep in mind it’s not even a real JCW. Painful to watch.

[@scottsparky1]

The roof rack adds drag and slows the car down. And you were sloppy and slow on the gear change

[@bestboy1986]

One advantage of the SE: it’s electric.

[@themorfeeis]

Having owned a r53 jcw I'd take the turbo jcw any day over the eletric...

[@mbsnyderc]

I doubt that any Mini is the future.drive them across the state of Colorado see with one gets there first.

[@gabon4000]

Are the taillights really represent the british flag or I'm just going crazy??

[@TFLcar]

Yes, the Union Jack is in the taillights

[@edinreviews]

Plus the alloy wheels mimic a British electrical socket 👍🏻😂🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@JackInDaBoxx]

A new Cooper S would beat that electric Mini

[@taaviplaan]

quick summary - electric is 2 seconds faster

[@compjelly]

Of course a brand new car is more expensive than a decade-old heavily used one lmao, that's not a real pro-con.

[@paullynch6977]

You could have stripped 2 seconds off the JCW if you removed the roof racks! Lol... The electric mini are great but no good at sustained performance.. the batteries get hot and the performance is throttled (much like a smartphone or computer)... You might have gotten different results if you did a few laps..

[@doneB830]

Old mini any day.

[@toruk5287]

Who scammed them??? That’s a regular Mini Cooper s with JCW Badge

[@TFLcar]

It’s got a JCW power kit. Certificate of authenticity in the glove box

[@toruk5287]

The Fast Lane Car but than it’s not a Performance-Tuned JCW. It’s a Performance-Tuned Mini Cooper S and only got an engine upgrade.

[@ebby7218]

Yeah most people don’t have 37000k to spend on a electric mini I would go for the gas Manual mini best option can’t drive stick learn your just saved 30000k

[@mowcowbell]

If you opt for the base electric, it has MSRP of $30K. After federal tax credit, it costs $22.5K. If you live in CO, then final cost is only $18.5K. Try to find a new gas Mini for that.

[@ebby7218]

Mowcowbell nobody wants just a base electric mini and I don’t live and Colorado and I guarantee it’s not that cheap why does it jump down 4000 dollars if you live in CO it’s hard to believe that the one they have is 37000 bucks

[@wzDH106]

In addition to the savings mentioned above. Maintenance costs will also be reduced. No oil changes, ever. No timing or accessory belt replacement. No air filter, fuel filter or oil filter replacements. No spark plugs, or induction / fuel injection maintenance. No emissions related maintenance or repairs. The brake rotors and pads will last 100,000 miles or more in most cases (regenerative braking). Aside from tire rotations, major preventive maintenance is usually scheduled at or after 100,000 miles for the gearbox lubricant and maybe the battery coolant Similar to that of transmission and antifreeze preventive maintenance in gasoline vehicles.

[@ebby7218]

I guess that’s a way to look at it that I never have that could save a ton after 6 years

[@ebby7218]

Just the range and the waitto charge your battery when your out it’s just not very practical for everyday use

[@robertmills8249]

turns off traction control,then complains about the wheels losing traction !

[@nancrowley9310]

New v Old ... The MINI Cooper SE BEV WINS. Why would anyone want a $6000 MINI with neither a Maintenance Plan nor a Warranty? This is the definition of MONEY PIT. And, please, stop making excuses about no gears, no sound, no stick shift and, price. The $29,900 version of the BEV is not hard to find. You can order it on the MINI site. Fun or Faster? The MINI Cooper SE BEV is both. Why are you stuck on a stick shift? It's not faster or more fuel-efficient; it's an anachronism.

[@BanksSF]

First you said that a manual transmission was better then complain that you have a manual transmission and need to shift. You then try and compare the cost of a brand new Mini SE against an 8 year old Mini JCW. That is like comparing apples and oranges. I do not usually give negative comments on a video but your one sided blinkered view does not make sense. You only have negative comments for the Mini SE. Comparing a 2020 JCW would be better and comparable. Which is cheaper then?

[@jamesbush3310]

I hate the look of both the mini is dead bmw is just dragging around its corpse

[@wrzl1675]

1. Dealer installed exhaust and air intake isn’t a JCW lol and that would require a retune and I’m betting the dealer didn’t do that and I’d be surprised if that BMW ECU has an open tuning code. It more than likely makes the same or less hp than it did before, it just sounds better.

[@TFLcar]

Ahhh no that’s complete BS. Please do some research before posting badly informed comments like this.

[@MrFurious_666]

What a fake or bad drivers ... the Fuel JCW is 1s better fir 0 to 60mph

[@MillionMileDrive]

No electric for me until it can be fully charged in 5 minutes. It'll happen eventually but not right now..

[@steveholderness1450]

My Peugeot e-208 GT is fully charged when I wake up every morning.. Don't miss going to the gas station!

[@chriskonte1909]

But can you buy Peugeots in the USA? No

[@toddrobertson1398]

Agreed.. plus as much as I like mini’s the electric drive time is trash

[@toddrobertson1398]

Steve Holderness what do you do if you have to take a long trip

[@steveholderness1450]

@@toddrobertson1398 I can drive for 3hrs (my car has over 200 mile range) take a break and fast charge it. (80% in 30 mins) then carry on. It is a city car though, so it would be very rare that I need to do longer than 200 miles in one go. If you need a longer range regularly then pick up a Tesla or something similar. I agree the MINI electric range is pretty poor, but look at the target audience.. It'll be mainly used as a commuter car or weekend fun car - 120 miles cover both of those purposes I would think.

[@calebhopkins7354]

Duh the electric car Is going to be faster, but it has no soul to it. You dont buy a mini to be the fastest car, you buy it to row the gears and throw it around corners.

[@cypvh74]

Caleb Hopkins ok boomer.

[@calebhopkins7354]

@@cypvh74 wtf do you mean I'm 18 yo 🤣

[@NHseacoast]

I'm old school I like sound of a that internal combustion engine, imagine a muscle car, Charger or Mustang that sounds like my electric blender. . Electric cars remind me of an electric golf cart - boring - sorry.