Hi guyz,
Just wanted to ask which one u prefer? R53 or R56?
Any differences?? like the suspension, power and etc?

 

My R56 should be here in less than 14 days, so I'll have driven my R53 for a year by then. After I can compare the two, I'll let you know which I prefer (I'm thinking it'll be the new one).

 

ANY DIFFERENCES?

Heck yes! Where to start...

Engines. If you're talking especially about an "S" model, the engines are totally different. The R53 engine was supercharged, while the R56 engine is turbocharged. They sound and perform completely differently from each other. The new turbocharged mill has gobs and gobs of torque, and is arguably easier and cheaper to extract more horsepower out of, if you're into that sort of thing. But at the same time, the engine note lacks the supercharger jet-engine whine that the R53 engine has, which some people miss, and some don't. I personally LOVE that sound, and have done several things in order to hear more of it, (Alta intake, 15% pulley). To others, that noise is off-putting.

Brakes: the R56 S gets what was previously the JCW upgraded sport brake package, (even though they're not powdercoated bright red), yet, you don't have to pay more for them. These are superior brakes to the ones on the R53.

Suspension: The suspension is also improved on the R56, if you are the type of person who thinks that the R53 rides too rough, and transmits too much into the spinal columns of the occupants inside. (Meanwhile, some R53 owners have stated that the R56 suspension is now too soft). Again, a matter of personal preference...

The Interior. This is so subjective, but it is the one place that is the most different between the two cars. At first glance, the R56 interior appears much more refined, and clean, but there are things that some folks don't like. For instance, the size of the speedometer is even bigger. The radio is integrated into the speedometer, but the volume **** is like 8 inches below that. The ***** for the climate control have been described as cheap and plasticky, like they were from a parts bin at Playskool or Fisher-Price.

WHAT IT ALL COMES DOWN TO IS: If you haven't done so already, you should really go to a MINI dealership, and compare the two cars side by side. They look very similar to the newbie eye, especially from outside, but once you see them parked next to each other, the differences really start to stack up.

 

Most definately the R53....or R56...

 

Thanks jonnieoh for the detail about both of the car.

Just wondering, is there any Harmon Karbon option on the R56?

 

Yes. And has been said, both models have lots of fans for a lots of good reasons. There is no one right answer here except the one that's right for you.

 

My thoughts so far:
http://www.gbmini.net/wp/2007/12/key_differences_2/

The "HiFi" upgrade on the R56 is the option most closely equivalent to Harman Kardon on the R53 - not the same, but both upgrade the stock stereo. Stock R56 is much worse than stock R53 - and replacing the HU on an R56 is a no-no.

 

arh...
i see.
performance wise? which one is faster?
i assume the R56 would be faster ?

 

I have an 02 R53 and a R56. The stock R56 does seem faster then my R53 with mild mods. The turbo motor has way more torque! It will pull hard pretty much at any RPM and any gear. The R53 you have to keep the RPM's up to make power. The clutches feel way different also. The R56 has much softer feel and grabs farther out on the pedal. Jonnieoh hit it good with the differences.

 

Faster could be described in two ways.

Acceleration? The R56 is much faster.
Top Speed? I have no idea.

 

Hmmm .. i see .. i see

Anyone has R56 auto transmission?

Just want to compare with the auto and manual.