How much better is the suspension on an S (R53) versus a non-S (R50)?

 

Not much, it's a little better but it's not light years apart.

 

I think that the only difference is the rear sway bar. I'm not sure about the front bar. Which means the only difference between the handling is that the S has a little less body roll and a little less understeer. To make it better than a stock S, just get a 19 or 22mm rear sway bar and some fixed camber plates.

 

And the S looks like it is lower, is it?

 

An R50 can be upgraded from the factory with the Sport suspension that changes-

All Shocks- rated firmer for more weight- multiple part #
All Springs- rated firmer for more weight- multiple part #
Rear swaybar from 17mm to 18mm
Front swaybar from 22.5mm to 23.5mm

Cooper S suspension = R50 with Sport suspension option.

Ride height is a little changed but not sure exactly how much because it depends on the weight of the MINI with options.

The sport suspension is a little stiffer and is identical to that found in a stock Cooper S. The weights of each MINI is different with the R50 weighing less so handling is affected. Also Cooper S has more power or weight change can be more abrupt shifting forward or back more easily with hard acceleration and braking.

On the road the Sport suspension feels for stiff but not overly so, it doesn't like poor road surfaces. You give up some comfort for better handling.

For those that like much better handling the JCW suspension is good and comes with a warranty. Otherwise Koni FSD shocks will help both ride quality and performance in an otherwise stock Base Cooper or Cooper S.

For ultimate suspension upgrades-
On a budget Koni shocks and TSW springs (linear) are good.
On an expense account- Coilovers with full adjustability are good.

Base cooper suspension is soft.
Cooper S stock suspension is a bit stiffer, not too bad. It's hard to totally compare because the total weight is a factor and power is different.

Try putting more weight in the base Cooper then drive around. Handling is usually affected. More weight stresses the suspension on anything that resembles performance driving.

Don't forget that the missing element not discussed but which is huge is the wheels and tires you have.

Upgrading wheels and tires alone will give you much better "suspension feel" on the base cooper. Tires act like an extention of your suspension.
Using stock Cooper tires isn't going to be as helpful with sports suspension upgrade. Upgrading tires should be part of the total plan, even something to do early.

For the base cooper options are-
If you keep the stock wheels:
15x5.5 you can use 205/55-15 tires or aftermarket rims to 15x7 +40 offset
16x6.5 you can use 205/50-16 tires or 16x7 rims +40 offset
17" rims are possible but heavier usually. 17x7 +42 offset 205/45-17 tires
or as large as 215/45-17 with stock ride height or less than 1" drop.

 

Not better but different. The S is a heavier car and the spring rates reflect it. Parts are interchangeable, and both are easily upgraded.

This significant differences are in the engine.

 

No...both models have the same ride height.(unless you spec the special JCW suspension which lowers the car half an inch)

 

So if I wanted to lower my MINI one inch or so what are the best springs to buy?

 

H-sports or maybe TSW's

Try a search for 'springs' there are hundreds of threads where people share their opinions on each spring available

 

My R50 has the Cooper S suspension which is the justacooper sports suspension package. I test drove a regular Cooper and the suspension was softer. When I drove my car for the first time out of the showroom after a bit I noticed the suspension was a little bit stiffer and the ride ever so slightly harder.

I thought I had the sports package but wasn't sure cause there was not much of a difference between the normal and sports. But when I went to change my springs the shocks had Cooper S barcode sticker things on them.

 

TSW.