F56s versus R56s
 

I did a search and couldn't find what I'm looking for. But I'm not really sure what I'm looking for!

I just sold my R56 JCW (let's call it an 'S' for comparison sakes), and miss it terribly. I know I'll never be able to get a brand new R56s again, and I don't see myself shelling out for someone's second hand potential problem child. That said, I wonder if I'll ever buy another Mini again - and makes me ask whether the F56 is a better model than the R56.

If there's anyone out there who's owned an R56s (with N18 engine), and now owns an R56s, I'd appreciate your insight. I'm mainly thinking in terms of how hard you have to push it in corners before it becomes fun, and the seat of the pants feel. Does it feel refined in the drive, exciting, or plain uninspiring?

Thanks in advance,
Mike

I owned an '07 MCS and an '08 MCS w/JCW tuning kit. More recently, I have several hundred miles in the drivers seat of my friend's '12 MCS. I now DD an F56 JCW.

Put it simply, the F56 is a better car in every measurable way. In terms of "feel", it does have slightly better steering feel purity, mainly due to the lack of tramlining and torque steer. The F56 is much quieter, so most people will haphazardly assume it's less connected, but the handling is clearly a step-up in terms of actual cornering speeds. Because the chassis is so composed over bumps, it doesn't feel you're going as fast as you actually are. Of course, the engine is brilliant, and actually rapid. The interior is definitely a big step up in materials quality and ergonomics, if only for the HVAC.

I do recommend driving one, but I also suggest orienting yourself to be driving a "small BMW", because that's really what it is. Not everyone wants that, but for those that appreciate it, it's brilliant.

Thanks Ryephile, I appreciate your thoughtful response! The salesman also said the motor is more powerful, but I was skeptical of him. After all, when can you take the word of a salesman? Never. One thing that concerns me is the smooth ride over bumps. I like to feel the road under me, and this smooth ride you noted gives one a false sense with respect to the surface, no? Would you describe it more of a go kart with suspension feel, or not at all like a go kart?

You are definitely right, I do need to test drive one. I don't know if it's such a good idea for me right now, as I just got laid off (hence why I just sold my R56 JCW). But, life's funny sometimes.

Mike

I 2nd the "small BMW" comment, it feels so completely different from an R56. I test drove used R56 S's and new F56. Going with an F56 made much more sense.

Having owned a r56 fjcw and now a f55 cooper s the best comparision would be that the old car is a rover and the new is a bmw.

Bmw spent time and money to make this car right before releasing it.

Agreed, best choice I made with Mini is to get my F56. I am loving the car.

The others are spot on. The car really comes alive when you do some basic mods i.e tune, springs or coils and a rear sway.