Hello all, just registering after lurking off and on for a few years. I'm a long time car guy who has been out of the game for a few years, focusing on family and house. I'll bee needing a car in the next year or so, and the MINI is on my short list. I spent a day in a lightly modded MCS a couple years ago and it was a blast, but I didn't know much about it.

On to the questions!

1) I think I prefer the styling (interior and exterior) of the 1st gen new MINI. I have also read that it provides a more 'raw' driving experience. That aside, are there compelling reasons (mods, power, longevity, etc) to consider the turbo/direct injection 2nd gen over the supercharged 1st gen?

2) Everyone says the MINI drives like a go-kart, and from I remember, I would have to agree. But I have a dyed-in-the-wool dislike for FWD. Does the MINI feel or act like a FWD car?

3) How bad is the MINI in snow? (If you drive in Maryland or something you can just skip this question! I'm talking real New England snow, I'm sure someone in the Rockies or something can chime in! Heavy snow, twisty, steep roads, etc.) I have a lifetime of snow driving experience (and I actually enjoy it most of the time), I'm down for snow tires, etc, but I need something that can really handle any weather without my wife freaking out about me driving home.

Thanks!

 

Before anything you have to test drive BOTH of them to even consider between them. Most dealers will let you drive aggressivly.

1. cheaper, not much else. but R56 has new car free maintenance for 3 years.

2. yes it does drive, feel and act like a FWD.

3.________________ (I'm from CA)

Never heard it was horrible in the snow though?

 

1) Turbo has much flatter torque curve than the supercharger - more low rpm torque, but supercharger is more "tunable" with various pulley sizes.

2) 1st gen has little torque steer compared to the 2nd gen - again partly due to the difference in low rpm torque

3) many posts on here about the MINI's abilities in snow - a lot of drivers say it performs better with the DSC switched off in snow

As said above, drive BOTH - you can't lose!

 

1) Each has characteristics the other hasn't...it's a personal preference thing.
2) It is FWD. All FWD have some characteristic feel and the more performance oriented the vehicle adds to the more pronounced effect of FWD. That said, if you want to go fast in poor traction situations (snow, gravel, ice, etc.) once you learn the FWD driving technique, no comparably powered RWD car can keep up. I learned ice racing 40 years ago....I live in Michigan....lots of snow, hills (not mountains), curves.
I've driven tons of FWD, RWD, with and without traction control and/or snow tires...and without question FWD is much better than RWD in Poor Weather conditions....only my Audi w Quattro (all wheel drive) was better. It's not a Suburban with all-wheel drive, but it will go through snow just fine.
3) Better fuel economy with R56 in general. Both are fun cars and I would think either would do, your choice.

 

If you are more of a RWD (right wheel drive hahaha) person, then you definitely won't be upset with a MINI. They handle gorgeously and are very responsive to drive input. All thanks to simply putting the wheels at each corner and squatting the car down. Granite when you do a burn out the opposite wheels spin, but grab the e-brake and you can throw it around like a Miata.

The DSC is amazing for the snow. Keep it on and take your time and you'll be just fine. There's a video on the MINI site where they took normal people up to Canada on an ice track and it's like they're driving on dry pavement. Of course DSC can't overcome physics though...

R53/R56....In my opinion the R56 is a better overall car, more refined. If you're looking to go crazy on Mods and take care of the car yourself an R53 may be for you. The R56 has a lot more technology and kinda knit picky to mods. Buy an S, get the JCW kit installed and enjoy a nice throaty sound with great feedback, a better tune then stock and avoid the BS of possibly voiding your warranty.

Either way, Motor on =)

 

My 07 MCSm was excellent in snow and on ice with the DSC on (always on unless you turn it off by holding the button down). 4-wheel drive SUVs were fishtailing and skidding, but Molly held straight and true. No fear

 

Addendum R56 respond really well to ECU tuning ala RMW, especially JCW R56.