[Isabo]

I use a Cooper S daily, in some ways it's as sporty as my 911, it has the personality, mine's been reliable but it has less heart than an old 911.
It's a super little car but to get the best out of it the revs have to be kept up. If your wife is an enthusiast she'll use the rev limiter, if not she's missing on the point of driving the S. However, I don't agree that it would make the Cooper a better choice - other factors like pride of ownership and status also need to be factored in.