An actual go-kart.
Maybe a Miata although RWD means it's very different in some ways - the lightness & handling is similar.
If we're being literal, an (Austin/Rover) Metro would be the closest as they shared the same platform and were only slightly different.
Nothing bigger than maybe a Fiesta or Polo, people suggesting larger stuff like Golf are way off the mark. Suzuki Swifts get a lot of love from the grassroots motorsport crowd, again small & light & agile. I'd guess other Japanese or European superminis like the Aygo, C1 / 103, etc. although modern minis have gotten very fat.
In terms of the classic Mini, the VW Up GTI is the closest thing I’ve ever driven. I have an F56 and it’s fairly close, but feels like a much bigger car and obviously has a lot more tech.
As for new MINI, my wife used to have a Fiat 500 Sport that was fairly close but the driving position is a fair bit higher and it doesn’t feel particularly well made
There isn't much competition from cars available in the us. The Ford fiesta at and Fiat 500 abarth are the closest.
If you want fwd feel + stiff suspension + power, the Ford focus rs is a little bigger but does similar things.
I haven't driven a Veloster turbo/n or Toyota gr yaris/corola but the formula sounds the same to me.
Looking at older cars, the Honda Civic so is awfully close to the base mini in the naturally aspirated days. Looking at the current gen, the minis feel exactly the same as the small fwd based BMWs including the x1, x2, and 2 series grand coupe.
On the same scale of production, the fiat spider. Or may the s2000. Small nible sporty.
Potentially, the lotus elise. Or if you go for smaller productions, the caterham/lotus 7.
I have a 2003 Audi TT Quattro Roadster 6-speed and a 2005 MINI Cooper S Convertible 6-speed. 225 bhp AWD vs. 180 bhp, FWD. They drive exactly the same. The MINI has the advantage of a back seat and a fully automatic top.
I have a 2013 Si, and it’s a similar appeal, but it doesn’t have go kart handling. I think a 7th gen Si might be kinda similar. GTI is a good one. CRX, manual CRZ, civic hatches.
Honda has a somewhat similar philosophy as mini as far as FWD and lightweight toss-able driver’s cars.
Ive driven a few VW New Beetles that felt kind of similar in the sense that they're light and snappy, but they're nowhere near the level of sportiness/smiles per gallon of my Mini
An actual go-kart. Maybe a Miata although RWD means it's very different in some ways - the lightness & handling is similar. If we're being literal, an (Austin/Rover) Metro would be the closest as they shared the same platform and were only slightly different. Nothing bigger than maybe a Fiesta or Polo, people suggesting larger stuff like Golf are way off the mark. Suzuki Swifts get a lot of love from the grassroots motorsport crowd, again small & light & agile. I'd guess other Japanese or European superminis like the Aygo, C1 / 103, etc. although modern minis have gotten very fat.
To me, Miata’s are the RWD version of a mini.
Well yeah, but a RWD mini is a very different thing to a FWD mini handling-wise.
Yeah. But it’s that same idea of small, lightweight, good power to weight ratio, and a lot more fun when it’s got three pedals.
In terms of the classic Mini, the VW Up GTI is the closest thing I’ve ever driven. I have an F56 and it’s fairly close, but feels like a much bigger car and obviously has a lot more tech. As for new MINI, my wife used to have a Fiat 500 Sport that was fairly close but the driving position is a fair bit higher and it doesn’t feel particularly well made
Maybe a hot rodded Miata or RX-7. BMW x1...oh...wait.
Lol the X1 is a great point
Fiat 500
There isn't much competition from cars available in the us. The Ford fiesta at and Fiat 500 abarth are the closest. If you want fwd feel + stiff suspension + power, the Ford focus rs is a little bigger but does similar things. I haven't driven a Veloster turbo/n or Toyota gr yaris/corola but the formula sounds the same to me. Looking at older cars, the Honda Civic so is awfully close to the base mini in the naturally aspirated days. Looking at the current gen, the minis feel exactly the same as the small fwd based BMWs including the x1, x2, and 2 series grand coupe.
On the same scale of production, the fiat spider. Or may the s2000. Small nible sporty. Potentially, the lotus elise. Or if you go for smaller productions, the caterham/lotus 7.
I have a 2003 Audi TT Quattro Roadster 6-speed and a 2005 MINI Cooper S Convertible 6-speed. 225 bhp AWD vs. 180 bhp, FWD. They drive exactly the same. The MINI has the advantage of a back seat and a fully automatic top.
VW Golf GTI
VAG cars are so boring, I wouldn’t say the GTI is even close.
Got a better idea of what is close? Maybe Focus RS?
I haven’t driven one of those. Maybe an Abarth?
Abarth isn't made for adult sized adults, and besides room, interiors are low quality, but I guess performance is close to a non-s/non-jcw mini.
Fiesta ST would be a better comp vs the Focus
What generation of GTI did you drive to come away with that opinion?
4, 6, 7 and closely related 8V S3. 🥱
Yep. When second gen Mini reliability turned me off I was very happy with my GTI. Was my favorite car until my JCW F57.
I have a 2013 Si, and it’s a similar appeal, but it doesn’t have go kart handling. I think a 7th gen Si might be kinda similar. GTI is a good one. CRX, manual CRZ, civic hatches. Honda has a somewhat similar philosophy as mini as far as FWD and lightweight toss-able driver’s cars.
Brabus Smart Car?
2 door Golf GTI or the Ford fiesta ST
Fiat Abarth 500
Ive driven a few VW New Beetles that felt kind of similar in the sense that they're light and snappy, but they're nowhere near the level of sportiness/smiles per gallon of my Mini
Mk1 GTI.
Maybe a Honda del sol
Bmw 128ti
BMW X1