old vs new ??

new vs old ??

turbo vs blower ??

what's the up's and downs of each??

surely there are preferences..

so, let's hear 'em

thanx

 

YUP, you got that part right

Prepare yourself for all the "do a search" replies"

 

True...this is oft discussed, you really should do a search. In the end folks have preferences either way and opinion is all over the spectrum. You won't get a "simple" answer. You might find few are willing to undertake another re-hash.

 

i've searched until my fingers got bloody

I thought it would be a good topic starter to mash it all out in a compilation of one topic, from peep's who have gone in either direction, and why, rather than look up 60 topic's...

oh well...

 

There are those who prefer the R53, and those who prefer the R56, but you'll have to buy each of us a drink to get more opinions out in the open.

 

Guess it is a difficult topic to search for.

Problem is, most of these thread turn to bashing rather then constructive criticism.

I have replied to a couple posts of why I went from a R56 to a R53, but I don't think it will have the detail you are looking for. I haven't had the R53 long enough to be any expert at all to write much more yet, sorry.

If you haven't already, try reading through the first page of posts in the 1st generation section.

 

Go. Now. Drive. Decide.

 

My fingers aren't too bloody. Search the general MINI talk forum using search term r53 r56 (no quotes, just as I typed). All kinds of results.
I would personally drive back-to-back and then read that sort of thing if you still felt the need. I'm not about to spend this kind of money based on the preference of particular people or groups of people on the interweb.

 

MF Comparison: Modded R53 vs JCW R56

 

+1, just had to quote it again because it is so important

 

When the R56 was still in the "expected" stage, there was a lot of nastiness in the postings on NAM and other boards. As far as I'm concerned, the dire predictions of the end of the world haven't panned out. The R56 is great, and I LOVE the turbo! Also, the R56 has a more efficient engine, and gets much better mpg, if that's important to you. If modding is your deal, you'll probably like the R53 better, since there's more available for that model.

Having said that, there's nothing wrong with the R53, either. Drive 'em both. If you get a good deal on a used car, fine. If not, join the new car crowd.

Did I say I LOVE the turbo? It's a real kick in the boot!

 

I think Mike Cooper once mentioned something about R56's character being so different (in lots of small ways) from R53 that they've in fact created two cars that owners can be proud of and own. The lists of strengths for both is long and, now that things have settled down a bit, the list of weaknesses has become relatively short. That's good news for the discerning enthusiast. I myself do very much applaud the refinements of R56, but since in the end we're talking about Mini/MINIs, the less-refined, more visceral R53 will (forever I think) remain something special.

 

I've got opinions, too. Where's my damn drink?

 

The only way to settle it. Whatever you do, DO NOT rely on other people's comparisons. Not from magazines, not from internet magazines, not from threads, not from anywhere besides your own seat of the pants.

Now that you won't listen to me, I'll answer your specific questions.

1. old.
2. old.
3. blower.
4. R53 ups - it's awesome. Downs - it's so awesome the R56 can never compare.
R56 ups - it's related to the R53. Downs - it's not the R53.
5. I think you know my preference

Come on, you couldn't ask a question like that in a place like this with the battles we've had and not expect at least some sarcasm. Well, some of the above was sarcastic.

mb

 

It is really hard to tell them apart from outer space.

Deer in the headlights can't tell the difference either.

But you need to drive both and make your own decision. . . .

 

good thread...

i'm listening

 

The R53 is a puny shrimp
The R56 is a giant shrimp

Just kidding I like em both but only have experience with the R56.

 

Puh-leeez...

We all know thge R53 is simply a shrimp.
The R56 is a Prawn!

They both rock. Drive for yourself and see what suits you best.

I've always preferred torque over high revving horsepower. Coming from a two-wheeled background, I like Ducati twins and Triumph triples over a high-revving in-line-four japanese rice rocket any day. In the dirt I like a torquey 4-stroke thumper over a buzzy 100%-on or 100%-off power of a 2-stroke. I therefore preferr the bottom end on the new turbo. More fun out of the corners. On the other hand I like the older car's looks and SC sound. But it's a give & take, so... that's the way I went.

Spec either car correctly though, and you can pretty much make it whatever you want it to be. CVT, auto or 6-speed? Convertible, sunroof, or hard top? Standard or Sport seats? Standard, Sport, JCW, or aftermarket suspension? DSC and LSD or not? 15, 16, 17 or 18-inch wheels with runflats or softer rubber? Intakes, exhausts, ECUs, intercolers, tuboos, heads, pullys, whatever!

I guess what I'm getting at is that there is a continuum of "driver's" MINIs... one model generation does not necessarily fall below another. They're all intermixed in there depending on what options are present in that specific car. It just depends your driving style, your priorities relating to comfort vs. performance. It's how you spec your car to reflect your priorities that makes all the difference.

 

I like that my R53 is paid for....

 

Just out of curiosity, are there any R53 owners who have converted to the R56 due to crashes or mechanical issues, who are on this thread? Comparisons?

 

I wanted to switch out my R53 for a R56 (only because I don't have much confidence in Mini's reliability and I wanted a fresh warranty). However,I didn't like a single change which was made and actually disliked a few others. So I decided to hang on to my R53.

But it just boils down to personal preference. I'm sure the R56 is a great car for most people (at least while it's under warranty...)

 

Why the dig? I've had no more issues on this 1-year build than on any other new car I've ever had.

 

No dig on the R56 per se -- only on the Mini brand in general. Admittedly, my second Mini has been better than my first but not as good as several Honda and Toyota products I've owned. So I'm not thrilled at the prospect of maintaining a Mini for 200K miles. Fingers crossed...

Edit: Thanks to the high resale value of Minis, it makes sense to trade out of them and get a fresh warranty every few years, if you like the new models.

 

So what's the goal? What are you really looking for?
Resale? R56
Classic good looks? R53
Pretty ambiguous question. Almost feel like a sucker for posting a reply.

 

I have a '07 JCW and a '05 JCW. '07 is WAY faster however is more like a BMW 3 seriies and does not have the glorious go cart feel. Looks inside and out are upgraded and refined/a better car for the $. But I like the look and feel of the R53 better. Raw and visceral!