I'm looking at a 2006 Cooper S cabrio later this week, 400 miles from here but substantially out of the way to where I'm going. My son, who is a car buff thinks it may be too firm for me. My last car was a 2003 Boxster S. It was slightly firmer riding than I liked. I have four questions:

1. Has anyone owned a Boxster S and a Cooper S? Can you compare the rides?
2. How much difference is there in ride stiffness between a Cooper and Cooper S?
3. If there is a difference can you swap the S spring/shock parts for Cooper parts?
4. A neighbor has a Cooper S Countryman that I can test drive tonight. Will that ride be comparable to the cabrio?

Any help will be appreciated.