180 replies to this topic

[panelbeaterpeter]

Of course it's unique. Show me another car that it can be mistook for, is as stylish and drives as well in that price category. We all know how great the classic mini is and what it's achieved, we wouldn't be here on a forum based around it if we didn't, but time moves on!! I don't know why people get so bloody defensive. That comment's not aimed at you Taffy, just people in general.

[taffy1967]

But surely time moved on in 1980 when BL launched the MiniMetro and yet we're still here loving the real Mini all the same.

[panelbeaterpeter]

I actually like the metro..

[mab01uk]

As far as I'm concerned, it's a good thing that a well off and stylish company bought the brand, and have built a very impressive modern car, that rover never would have. I also think it's interesting how you can look at pictures of streets from the 60's and see minis everywhere, same as you can now, and see MINIs. It has had a similiar affect to the original, and I think that's pretty difficult to achieve with the amount of crap euro boxes around at the moment. The MINI is a fun, stylish and unique car, hmm does that remind you of anything..

I love the old mini, but similarly, whenever I drive a MINI it puts a smile on my face, and that's what it's all about.

Have to agree with all you say.................and its good to see from this thread that there are quite a few classic Mini owners on TMF who are also own, drive and mod new MINI's.

[sir Jake the brit]

How is the BINI unique? It's just another hatchback mule like all the others.

The real Mini changed motoring forever, plus had an amazing motorsport history to boot.

stand it next to all the new hatches and next a proper mini tell me it doesnt resemble the proper mini and i'll tell you you shoulda gone to speck savers!!!!

[liirge]

Fiat 500 likes closer...mainly because its the closest to the size.

[taffy1967]

How is the BINI unique? It's just another hatchback mule like all the others.

The real Mini changed motoring forever, plus had an amazing motorsport history to boot.

stand it next to all the new hatches and next a proper mini tell me it doesnt resemble the proper mini and i'll tell you you shoulda gone to speck savers!!!!

I already wear glasses thanks.

[taffy1967]

Fiat 500 likes closer...mainly because its the closest to the size.

That's true.

[mab01uk]

Fiat 500 likes closer...mainly because its the closest to the size.

The New Fiat 500 and the New MINI are both 576mm longer than the original classic versions (both were designed by Frank Stephenson)

Classic Fiat 500 - 2970mm Length - 1320 Width - 1320 Height
New Fiat 500 - 3546mm Length - 1650 Width - 1490 Height

Classic Mini - 3050mm Length - 1400 Width - 1350 Height
New MINI - 3626mm Length - 1689 Width - 1408 Height

[panelbeaterpeter]

Well at a glance, I often mistake the new MINI for a mini, especially in traffic I see one and think yay! then it comes closer and it's a BINI. There is a definite resemblance, they could hardly make it to look exactly the same could they. I think the design is a good and respectful version of the old design. An evolution, if you like.

[minili]

I mistake them from a distance too sometimes Slightly less often now I have glasses (oops) but they are similar to be fair.

[panelbeaterpeter]

Yeah I don't think it's something one can argue about! I'm sure BMW spent a significant time and money making sure of it!

[nurseholliday]

Well at a glance, I often mistake the new MINI for a mini, especially in traffic I see one and think yay! then it comes closer and it's a BINI. There is a definite resemblance, they could hardly make it to look exactly the same could they. I think the design is a good and respectful version of the old design. An evolution, if you like.

The amount of times I've seen a New MINI coming off a slip road on the opposite side of the Motorway and thought it's a classic MINI!

EDIT: To clarify, it's a lot of times...

Edited by nurseholliday, 29 December 2008 - 01:47 AM.

[taffy1967]

Fiat 500 likes closer...mainly because its the closest to the size.

The New Fiat 500 and the New MINI are both 576mm longer than the original classic versions (both were designed by Frank Stephenson)

Classic Fiat 500 - 2970mm Length - 1320 Width - 1320 Height
New Fiat 500 - 3546mm Length - 1650 Width - 1490 Height

Classic Mini - 3050mm Length - 1400 Width - 1350 Height
New MINI - 3626mm Length - 1689 Width - 1408 Height

But the Fiat looks better proportioned than the latest BINI.

[taffy1967]

Well at a glance, I often mistake the new MINI for a mini, especially in traffic I see one and think yay! then it comes closer and it's a BINI. There is a definite resemblance, they could hardly make it to look exactly the same could they. I think the design is a good and respectful version of the old design. An evolution, if you like.

I doubt very much that Issigonis would see it that way though and neither do many a classic Mini fan.

To be honest I've seen lots of cars in the distance and wondered if their classic Minis and few of them have been BINIS.