Out of curiosity only, I would like to take a poll; From a physical appearance only, which generation Mini do you like more?

I was hoping to make this a poll, but I guess I can't do that.

 

Gen 1.

Gen 2 looks too rounded to me.

 

WOW, seems like a way to start some trouble.
Kind of like asking which is the best color. (BRG by the way )

 

Gen 2, but I can't put my finger on why.

If we're talking Coopers only, its Gen 2 100%, if this includes Cooper S's then its a toss-up for me, I've always felt like the hood scoop destroyed the lines of the hood, functional or not.

 

Can this include aesthetically modified cars as well? ie: lowered, wheels, tint, etc... Then it would be a matter of which gen would have the most potential.
If just based on stock, then I'd say Gen 1. But...to each their own, right?

 

Gen 1.

Gen 2 has too much booty, and squished windows. I could see lowering the roofline, but raising the doorline just doesn't look right.

 

Gen 1.

Gen 2 is now too "beefy", thanks to European crash standards. (although the one grille up front is nicer than the split grille on the Gen 1 cars...)

 

Gen 1 Cooper, R50, is the best looking of the bunch, with the smoother, more sloping hood, it's the overall best design, and probably closest to Stephenson's original vision.

 

Gen 1, I can't stand the suv look from the rear due to the new bumper standards....

 

I wonder what gen 2 would of looked like if those euro pedestrian law didn't take effect.

 

I also love the headlights in the hood thing. UFO spotting is awesome.

 

You can still do that with a Gen 2. You just have to hold a spotlight and shine it through the hole where the headlight should be.

 

LOL . No trouble causing intended. Just an honest answer. With all things being equal, I think I prefer the Gen 1. To each their own. Nothing wrong with preferring one over the other.

 

Are Moderators The only ones allowed to create polls?

 

I'm good with both...each has their strengths and compromises, but overall each looks very good on their own motoring down the street. I was always impressed that MINI went back to the classic to borrow concepts for each generation car....that makes it easier for me to relate to each as a Mini. I drive by the dealer every day, and although I know intellectually what each and every difference is, it doesn't read that way...the cars are more closely related than most of us care to admit.

 

So is this question going to be a once a month type thing?

 

I agree with gokartride. They look more alike to me than different.

What would be the point of a poll

Mark

 

Just curious, nothing else. I like them both as well, but I was considering buying a new one, and started debating with myself if I like the new Generation as much as the first.

But still would like to know what the deal is with creating , or not polls.

 

My vote is for R56. Prior to the R56 I wasn't all that interested in MINIs. Now I can say I honestly like both, but I prefer the R56. People seem to dislike the "beefyness" of the 2nd Gen, but I think the 1st Gens look a little... I don't know the right word. But I like beefy

 

Yes.

 

Nimble?

I'm afraid I'm becoming a little more bulbous over the years too.

 

I prefer the proportions and refined look of the 1st gen model. Hence, why I am planning to keep my R53 for 10+ years.

To me the Clubman fixes some of the "visual" problems I have with the R56 hatchback. The Clubman has better proportions on the sides and back than the R56 and it loses the 4WD stance of the hatches.

 

Also remember that the 1st gen car was designed back in 1995-96 by Frank Stephenson. He worked for BMW until 2002, when he moved to Italy to work for Fiat, Ferrari and he is now the head designer for Maserati/Alfa Romeo. Stephenson is fairly young (In his early to mid 40s) and he is considered to be one of the top 10 auto designers in the world.

Mr. Stephenson was born in Casablanca, Morocco and his father is American. He speaks fluently several languages, including English, German, Italian, French, Spanish and Arab. He studied design in the United States (Pasadena) and his first major leagues design job was with Ford Europe in Germany. His global vision has enabled him to become one of the most sought after designers in the auto industry. He has lived all over the world.

I think the R53 is a superb design, a true "classic" and still looks fresh and interesting. I feel that some of the superb design detail of the R53 was lost in the R56 re-design.

Don't get me wrong... I love my Clubman, but the R53 is still one heck of special car. I think of it in terms of the BMW 2002.....

 

Nope, that's not it. I'm not trying to start anything either... that's why I can't seem to find what I want to say. I do like the R50/53, just not as much as the R56

 

I think it is great to find what you like and stick with it.