R56 Cooper vs. R50 Cooper

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Nov 15, 2007 | 05:29 AM

#26

lacning74

6th Gear

iTrader: (1)

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 1,361

Likes: 2

From: nyc

Quote:

Originally Posted by jh2002

I had a 2003 Cooper S and loved the car dearly. I still like the idea of a supercharger. The new turbo model was nice but then I drove the standard Cooper and was impressed with the feel and sticker price. It has the feel of the old Cooper S in regards to power. If you are going to buy a basic Cooper....buy it with very few options, otherwise go for the Cooper S if you are willing to pay over 25,000USD. I couldn't justify buying a basic Cooper for much over 20,000USD. I wish there was an option in the computer to programme the sport mode to stay on after restart.....otherwise love the car.

I agree. I recently had a loaner 2006 Cooper S and didn't find much difference in power during normal driving compared to my non-S R56 Cooper, especially in sport mode.

jh2002, while a computer option would be best, did you see the automatic sport button mod by Coffeman? I would definitely do it for the throttle response if I didn't have an automatic, because I don't always need the higher shift points especially when just cruising. When I'm paddle shifting, I keep the sport button on.

Nov 15, 2007 | 08:34 AM

#27

Duffer

3rd Gear

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 180

Likes: 0

From: Burlington, NC

I really get a kick out of the R50/R53 styling vs. R56 styling. I just bought my first MINI, and I think these cars are 98% similar in exterior styling. I doubt anyone other than a "MINIphile" can see any difference whatsoever.

Last edited by Duffer; Nov 15, 2007 at 08:37 AM.

Nov 22, 2007 | 08:45 AM

#28

5th Gear

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 686

Likes: 0

From: Crystal Lake, Illinois

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duffer

I use to feel the same, but now I can tell a R56 a mile away. It has a much wider mouth (front grill).

Jul 28, 2008 | 04:47 PM

#29

mc4suzq

Neutral

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 4

Likes: 0

Difference between R56 - R50 - R53????

I am new to the Mini world and was hoping that you could answer a question for me. I ordered a Mini Cooper (non-S). Is it a r56 or an r50? What is the difference? Is the difference between an automatic and manual maybe? I have even seen people talking about the R53. I am a bit lost. Thanks for your help.

Jul 28, 2008 | 05:00 PM

#30

gokartride

6th Gear

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 38,578

Likes: 2

Quote:

Originally Posted by mc4suzq

I am a bit lost. Thanks for your help.

No problem...it is legitimately confusing. R50 is the first gen Cooper. R53 is the first gen MCS. R56 is both the second gen Cooper and MCS. Auto and manual is a seperate issue.