R60 Detailed R60 v F60 differences
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Joined: Dec 2018
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Detailed R60 v F60 differences
Hello.
My wife has been wanting a Countryman for a while. We're just now getting serious about it, and she has realized that she greatly prefers the R60 body style compared to the current body style. But we're trying to get a comprehensive understanding of what she would be giving up (or gaining) by purchasing the previous generation. I've read a bunch of reviews, so I do have a high level understanding of the differences, but I've been unable to find a detailed list of everything that changed between the generations (especially in terms of features, functionality, and options). Does anyone here have that? Or maybe at least a copy of a complete order sheet or features list for the R60 that I could compare to the current one? It seems very hard to find stuff like that on the web (but maybe I'm just not searching the right terms).
Any thoughts or info would be hugely appreciated.
My wife has been wanting a Countryman for a while. We're just now getting serious about it, and she has realized that she greatly prefers the R60 body style compared to the current body style. But we're trying to get a comprehensive understanding of what she would be giving up (or gaining) by purchasing the previous generation. I've read a bunch of reviews, so I do have a high level understanding of the differences, but I've been unable to find a detailed list of everything that changed between the generations (especially in terms of features, functionality, and options). Does anyone here have that? Or maybe at least a copy of a complete order sheet or features list for the R60 that I could compare to the current one? It seems very hard to find stuff like that on the web (but maybe I'm just not searching the right terms).
Any thoughts or info would be hugely appreciated.
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 418
Likes: 79
From: Iowa
I would bounce this question off of a dealer, knowing they are going to slant you towards new (maybe only a little).
The big difference will be the BMW engine vs. Puegeot.
Personally I like the GEN2 center speedometer & the exterior styling, plus the price was much less than a Gen3.
Good luck!
The big difference will be the BMW engine vs. Puegeot.
Personally I like the GEN2 center speedometer & the exterior styling, plus the price was much less than a Gen3.
Good luck!
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,161
Likes: 105
If you look back through this section on the R60 you will find a lot of discussions comparing the R60 with the F60....some have owned both!
One owner of both sticks in my memory: the R60 is a much more visceral driving experience - or rather it’s much more of a sport feel and has that MINI road hugging ability! It’s smaller and for me the R60 is just a better looking car.
The F60 is much more modern, is faster, has more driver amenities, the BMW engine & drive train is superior to the R60. But it’s a huge car in comparison to the R60 and then there’s the cost...you “will” pay at least double the money for the F60, possibly much more.
For my money, the R60 is a great car, especially the CMS All4 (what we have). I’d recommend going with a 2015 or 2016 R60. I also have an F56 JCW and since it’s on a battery tender you’ll never guess which MINI gets driven the most?....The 2015 Countryman S All4!
Go take a look at both and let us know what you decide! Good luck!
One owner of both sticks in my memory: the R60 is a much more visceral driving experience - or rather it’s much more of a sport feel and has that MINI road hugging ability! It’s smaller and for me the R60 is just a better looking car.
The F60 is much more modern, is faster, has more driver amenities, the BMW engine & drive train is superior to the R60. But it’s a huge car in comparison to the R60 and then there’s the cost...you “will” pay at least double the money for the F60, possibly much more.
For my money, the R60 is a great car, especially the CMS All4 (what we have). I’d recommend going with a 2015 or 2016 R60. I also have an F56 JCW and since it’s on a battery tender you’ll never guess which MINI gets driven the most?....The 2015 Countryman S All4!
Go take a look at both and let us know what you decide! Good luck!
When I bought my R60 (used) in April, I looked at and sat in a new F60 in the showroom. It's huge (by comparison). Might be a great car but too big for me. Good luck with your research/decision.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 103
Likes: 14
From: Thurston County, WA
I have driven both, liked one, loved one.
I have owned an R60 for nearly a year and drove a F60 for a month. I prefer the R60 for many of the same reasons noted by others. The F60 did address a few issues though that might make a difference to you.
I only drove it for a month, but the interior seemed superior in terms of layout and quality. The cup holders, switch locations etc. were better thought out in the F60 with far fewer rattles ad buzzes (though I have eliminated those in my car too) . I thought the ride was slightly quieter and the car overall more refined (or boring as the case may be).
I liked the car but as soon as I was back in a R60, I loved it. I found a great deal, added a warranty and have been smiling ever sense.
I only drove it for a month, but the interior seemed superior in terms of layout and quality. The cup holders, switch locations etc. were better thought out in the F60 with far fewer rattles ad buzzes (though I have eliminated those in my car too) . I thought the ride was slightly quieter and the car overall more refined (or boring as the case may be).
I liked the car but as soon as I was back in a R60, I loved it. I found a great deal, added a warranty and have been smiling ever sense.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 103
Likes: 14
From: Thurston County, WA
I have a 2012. Just passed 100k miles. Both models are great and on the used market provide the best performance value in the sector in my opinion.
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6th Gear
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,361
Likes: 246
From: Washington state
It will really come down to personal preference. I would recommend taking both out on a test drive to really feel the difference. I love my R60, I’m not nearly as fond of the F60. It’s more BMW than Mini if you ask me. The center speedo, round vents and switch location in mine is more to my liking. The F60 feels bigger and although more raw or unrefined, I like more direct feedback from the road and I didn’t feel that in the F60 I had for a loaner. Plus it just looks better in my opinion.
Mall the new Mini’s are big though. I parked next to a new Clubbie All4 and that F55 is taller and wider than my R60 I think!
Mall the new Mini’s are big though. I parked next to a new Clubbie All4 and that F55 is taller and wider than my R60 I think!
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 266
Likes: 25
We have a 2012 R60 and an 2018 F60. I love them both! They have a distinct personality that makes both just super fun to drive.
The 2012 does not handle nearly as well and is slower, but the round speedo is simply what a MINI ought to have. It is quite a bit more heavily modded and the magnaflow, NME CAI and catless downpipe makes me want to drive it like a raw racing machine.
The 2018 is stupid fun to push and is so much more refined and confident.
They are both great cars!
The 2012 does not handle nearly as well and is slower, but the round speedo is simply what a MINI ought to have. It is quite a bit more heavily modded and the magnaflow, NME CAI and catless downpipe makes me want to drive it like a raw racing machine.
The 2018 is stupid fun to push and is so much more refined and confident.
They are both great cars!
Neutral
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 1
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I have owned an R60 for nearly a year and drove a F60 for a month. I prefer the R60 for many of the same reasons noted by others. The F60 did address a few issues though that might make a difference to you.
I only drove it for a month, but the interior seemed superior in terms of layout and quality. The cup holders, switch locations etc. were better thought out in the F60 with far fewer rattles ad buzzes (though I have eliminated those in my car too) . I thought the ride was slightly quieter and the car overall more refined (or boring as the case may be).
I liked the car but as soon as I was back in a R60, I loved it. I found a great deal, added a warranty and have been smiling ever sense.
I only drove it for a month, but the interior seemed superior in terms of layout and quality. The cup holders, switch locations etc. were better thought out in the F60 with far fewer rattles ad buzzes (though I have eliminated those in my car too) . I thought the ride was slightly quieter and the car overall more refined (or boring as the case may be).
I liked the car but as soon as I was back in a R60, I loved it. I found a great deal, added a warranty and have been smiling ever sense.
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,161
Likes: 105
I can't believe the last time I posted here was Dec. 2018 about our 2015 Countryman S All4! I still have the same opinion comparing the R60 with the F60! And we still absolutely love the color of our Countryman which is "Light Coffee"! MINI shouldn't have stopped offering that color. With the optional 18" multi-spoke wheels and performance all season tires it looks as good as it drives! Still only have around 43,000 miles on it! Still a hoot to drive!
Happy Motoring!
Happy Motoring!
1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 46
Likes: 14
From: Live free or die
I hear you! , my cousin had same problem few years ago and those constant rattles can really drive you nuts. For his R60, he started by checking the obvious places , loose bolts on the handlebars, mirrors, and fairings.He also added rubber grommets and foam strips in spots where plastic and metal meet, especially around the tank and the side panels. Sometimes the exhaust bracket or even the seat can cause a lot of vibrations too. A good trick is to use some anti-rattle tape on areas that rub or are prone to shifting. Have you tried any of these, or is the noise coming from a specific area?
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 140
Likes: 24
From: Yellowknife, NT
I had a 2015 R60 JCW chili red manual with a few mods…until someone launched it into the neighbours yard! Me and my wife loved that car. We tried to find a similar R60 low mileage but to no avail…turns out they are not that common in manual. While looking for an R60 we did eventually come across a 2018 F60 JCW in chili red….and manual!…(manual is a MUST for us)…it was some distance away but bought it sight unseen (other than pics and videos) and is now in the driveway. Had it shipped part way and then flew down to get it…we live in northern Canada.
Love them both in different ways…R60 is more ‘mini’…F60 is more solid and refined. Certainly appreciate the trunk space in F60. Appreciate the few extra cc’s and added torque of F60….noticeable in the lower gears and on hills.
Looks-wise I do like the R60 better…more ‘mini’ again. Centre speedo is for sure true mini, but it is not in the line of sight and I never looked at it…ever….
My R60 didn’t have any annoying rattles that I remember, my F60 has a couple.
I live an 18 hour drive from a Mini dealer…so any/all work has been done by me so far…have had no insurmountable issues and lots of help from this forum…some of the mechanical design and material choices seem odd to me…on both vehicles.
Both are great in different ways…I do feel more comfortable regarding longevity/reliability on the F60 B48 platform.
….my two cents…
Love them both in different ways…R60 is more ‘mini’…F60 is more solid and refined. Certainly appreciate the trunk space in F60. Appreciate the few extra cc’s and added torque of F60….noticeable in the lower gears and on hills.
Looks-wise I do like the R60 better…more ‘mini’ again. Centre speedo is for sure true mini, but it is not in the line of sight and I never looked at it…ever….
My R60 didn’t have any annoying rattles that I remember, my F60 has a couple.
I live an 18 hour drive from a Mini dealer…so any/all work has been done by me so far…have had no insurmountable issues and lots of help from this forum…some of the mechanical design and material choices seem odd to me…on both vehicles.
Both are great in different ways…I do feel more comfortable regarding longevity/reliability on the F60 B48 platform.
….my two cents…
Last edited by North of 60; Mar 5, 2025 at 04:58 AM.
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