I would't get a sportspack because I don't like the handling of 13" wheels,
but that's just personal preference I guess. As far as speed goes I wouldn't
know, I can only tell you that a 1.3 sportspack is much faster than my stage
1'd 998! :)

Dantiri

Don't! the official specs say that the Sportspack is slower because of those
huge wheels and the extra weight. The engine is the same. Performance-wise
you'll be downgrading. The handling on those 13" wheels is also appalling.

N.

The difference in performance is that the Twin Point cars have more torque
and a closer gear ratio, but also a lot of extra weight. Combined with the
very lazy 2:7 diff this makes the newer cars slower than the early injection
cars (in acceleration anyway). If you do get a newer car and want performace
rather than looks, the non-sportspack is the way to go. The very heavy 13"
wheels adds 0,5 secs to the 0-60 time compared to the 12", and handling is
more sluggish than what you'd expect.

I've run a 98 Cooper TPI daily for two and a half years now with no problems
except the normal bushes and front springs needing replacing. It is,
however, converted to 10" wheels and S brakes which makes the car quicker,
more nimble and better looking of course :) I have also added roller rockers
and a Mini Spares Cyl head etc etc. Even so the car is probably the slowest
1300 Mini I have had (top speed is quite impressive though, pulls 5000 RPM
in 4th)

/Matt - Norway