In a 2012/3 Mini .... Standard Cooper, S & even a JCW all have the same running gear (suspension, brakes, etc.)? Argument is that an S is a standard Cooper with a turbo and a letter. Remember there is beer on this .....
Different compression ratio, different engine internals, different manual transmission (G255 vs G253), apparently the same automatic trans though (interesting...). The S has always had larger front brakes but I'm checking with my local Mini expert to be sure on the 2012'w (though standard 15" wheels on the Justa and 16" on the S lead me to believe that's still the practice). Even if they were the same (they're not), your buddy forgot something: It's a standard Justa with a turbo, a letter, better seats, better brakes, better wheels/tires, and (wait for it) a HOOD SCOOP.
"beauty is in the eye of the beer holder" - printed under the cap of the beer I just opened I found this to be relevant to the thread.
Short answer "no". Now go collect your beer. Long answer take him to the dealership and look and drive both cars. Then take him to get your free beer.
Unless YOU are the one who owes the beer if they're different... in which case they're the same, now let's go racing. :ihih: