MINI John Cooper Works. JCW vs GP. Dubai, UAE. Two of a Kind

After some more arduous runs, we pull up for a few static shots and discuss both John Cooper Works models. That the GP has proven to be the better handling of the two (and it must be said the most fun) is hardly a revelation: anything less would have been an upset, given its design. What has come as something of a surprise though is the gap in performance between the two. Don’t get me wrong, the JCW is still a lot of fun (gearbox-related hair pulling aside). But what has been demonstrated today, which had not been quite as obvious the last time the hatchback rolled through the crankandpiston garage, is that beyond it’s comfort zone the JCW will struggle: try to hold on to it through a sweeping turn in the higher gears and there’s only so far bravery will take you.

With the GP however, that’s not the case. The extent to which the front tyres hold on is impressive, and at times the hatchback can feel a little tail happy, the balance of the GP is what keeps the momentum going in the driver’s seat. Knock up through the gears, listen to the burble through the exhaust on the over-run and feel the turbocharger kick, and you’ll want to come back for seconds quickly.

Quite a difference then between two MINIs that boast the same engine, the same power and the same torque. And, more importantly, almost the same price. Ah yes, we’re back to that elephant in the room. For nearly twice as much as a Toyota 86, it still leaves us wondering if the performance of either is worth the price tag.

‘How much car do you get for $40k?’ Well, quite a lot actually’. And yet at the same time, not quite enough.

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