You just cannot underestimate having a lower COG on the track and the effect it has on weight transfer. Take two glasses the same diameter with an equal amount (weight) of water in them; one is 4" tall and the other is 6" tall; then with your finger see which one is easier to tip over.
Your roommate's girlfriend may be better in the sack, but overweight and ugly as hell. Your own girlfriend may be ho-hum in the sack but 45 lbs. lighter and good looking enough that you're proud to take her out to a fine restaurant. Which one would you rather spend the rest of your life with? The coupe is ugly with a capital f. I'll take the looker over the one who might be a little more fun on those rare occasions when there's a whole weekend to actually consummate the relationship. Don't forget: 2 seats also means higher insurance in a lot of cases. I remember when I had my Ford Escort EXP (yeah, I'm dating myself with that one) and the insurance was a full 50% higher.
Times are a changing on the insurance side of it.. Most of it now a days is based on replacement cost.. I too thought/assumed it would weigh less and maybe much less.. Nothing really to back that up other then the no rear seats and lower roof line and maybe shorter over all car would translate into less weight.. Who knew!!!! Like has been mentioned lower COG will be key, and surely we can cling to that!!! Won't help 0-60 times but should show up in the corners!! All the more reason for me to wait on purchasing one..
I thought this car was just an R56 chassis (not counting trim) with a new roof and no rear seat? Same wheelbase/track/engine.
Wow... We go from a CoG discussion right into a "it's fugly and fat girlfriends don't get to eat at nice restaurants!" discussion... Okaaaay. ut: I am thinking you might wanna check your clutch with gear changes like that.