Why is it that some folks have a problem reading an opinion that differs from their own? I have experienced this not only in the forums but in real life with some members of my local club that make it a "sin" not to be 100% in love with the R56

Some folks have the integrity and capacity to respect those different points of view and full know when to agree to disagree.

Another problem, and this is especially bad with some members of the classic Mini community, is that they transfer their "Hatred" for the car onto the actual owners. In other words, they make it too damn personal for their own good.

Some say that since we are part of the "Mini" family we should love each other. That is a fine and dandy sentiment, but I would also argue that within a loving family, different opinions and points of view are welcomed, discussed, respected for the common good of all involved.

If some folks prefer the R53 over the R56 (or viceversa) lets make a slight attempt at learning a little more as to why without getting defensive, angry or taking it personal.

Chill people, this is just a car. Yes it is an awesome car but it is still a car so let's keep our defensiveness into perspective and take a deep breath when someone posts something that we often construe as a direct insult to our beloved machines.

 

Wise words indeed.

There seems to be a strong human tendency to over-react. Online postings seem to magnify that - perhaps the lack of contact (facial expressions, etc) make it easier to take offense, that is, to interpret something as an insult or criticism. Once offended, there seems to be a (related) tendency to strike back; lather, rinse, repeat*. before you know it the thread is locked.

(* reminds me of the old joke: how did the computer programmer die in the shower? He followed the instructions on the shampoo bottle.)

Anyway, back to differences: I can't tell if I prefer the honeycomb grille or the bars; I think the R53 MCS had a similar grille to the R56 MC, right? It's sort of a moot point, since I'll be getting my R56 MCS in a few excruciatingly long weeks, but I do wonder. By the way, I saw a blue MCS up in San Francisco last night - it didn't have the R56 grille, so I'm thinking it was an earlier model (in very good shape, by the way). Are there other easily identifiable differences R53 vs R56? I *think* the color was Lightning Blue, which surprised me, I've assumed it was an R56 color. I saw a quite different blue in Albuquerque this past week - R53 MCS, I'm pretty sure, also in very good shape, but the blue was a bit "brighter" - not anything like Laser Blue, in case you are wondering. I'm wondering if it was Indi Blue? I don't know what that color looks like. I definitely prefer the Lightning Blue.

Enough of my Saturday am ramblings!

Tony

 

Two very easy ways to tell the generations apart are the side markers, which abut the bonnet on the R56 and the lack of the grilles on the bonnet on the R56, coupled with the wiper tray.

R53: Note grilles/wipers and the side marker does not abut bonnet.



R56: No grilles and side marker abuts bonnet.



Dean.

 

Thanks, Dean. That's just what I was looking for.

Tony