Is R53 vs R56 still one-sided?
My modded R53 is a proper sports car inasmuch that it runs off un-modded crummy brake padded Ferraris and GTRs and 911s on the track in as little as 3 laps. Horsepower and shape does not a sports car make.
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2012
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I think opinions really come down to what the various posters own themselves...
I would also consider that the R56 is the refinement of the R53.
Bottom line... The R53 is older, The R56 is newer!
Good Luck with whatever you choose!
I would also consider that the R56 is the refinement of the R53.
Bottom line... The R53 is older, The R56 is newer!
Good Luck with whatever you choose!
1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 43
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You need to be a MINI nut to tell the two apart visually, but (as a MINI nut) I like the lines of R56 a little better. It's more bulldog-like. I agree there is probably some "imprinting" at play - people tend to prefer whichever model they saw first and served as their portal to the MINI brand.
Anyway, here is Motoring File's take. And here's a photo from their review showing R56 and R53 side-by-side:
You need to be a MINI nut to tell the two apart visually, but (as a MINI nut) I like the lines of R56 a little better. It's more bulldog-like. I agree there is probably some "imprinting" at play - people tend to prefer whichever model they saw first and served as their portal to the MINI brand.
Anyway, here is Motoring File's take. And here's a photo from their review showing R56 and R53 side-by-side:
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,036
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From: Burlington, New Jersey
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 236
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From: Central CT
I liked the r56 better, but I can also see the appeal of the r53 as well, it felt a bit more raw. That being said, the only way to find out is to drive both and see which you like better. Just make sure to hit the Sport button as soon as you get in the r56! If not, your bound to think the r56 completely lost touch with what the r53 was.
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 440
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From: Chicago
The R53 looks more like a Classic MINI. The R56's were created the way they were so BMW could make back the money they used for overengineering the R53. I no longer have my MINI, and if I were to buy another you can bet I'd look for a decent R53. In all honesty, I got my 2012 Buick Regal GS and don't want to look back at MINI.
Looking at the "Issues" forums, I would say its one sided. R56S just has a mass of problems sadly. Just way to many things that should not be wrong, timing chain stretch, tensioners falling out...
As a person who works on them daily, I would not own a 2nd gen S. The Justa Cooper is ok though.
As a person who works on them daily, I would not own a 2nd gen S. The Justa Cooper is ok though.
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 540
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From: Florida
Last I checked - when I was active in the community - the R53 was still a better vehicle than the R56. The lower stance, more character, and longer power feeds made it the no-brainer.
I used to own an '03 R53, and... Well... Just see the link in my sig... I have been wanting it back ever since!
Is the R53 still the better tuner? I probably wouldn't do much tuning. Pulley, exhaust, intake, wheels, maybe tires, and maybe some other things. The RMW 1.8 (haven't seen vids or anything of 2.0) turns me on! Haha.
It will probably be easier to find an R56 with low enough miles, but I am shooting for an R53.
I used to own an '03 R53, and... Well... Just see the link in my sig... I have been wanting it back ever since!
Is the R53 still the better tuner? I probably wouldn't do much tuning. Pulley, exhaust, intake, wheels, maybe tires, and maybe some other things. The RMW 1.8 (haven't seen vids or anything of 2.0) turns me on! Haha.
It will probably be easier to find an R56 with low enough miles, but I am shooting for an R53.
Thread Starter
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4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 361
Likes: 1
From: Boise, ID
I definitely like the looks of the R53 better, EXCEPT for the grille. I absolutely LOVE the grille on the R56. But the R56 lost a LOT of character.
I still want to test-drive an R56 to be sure. But, for now, we are getting a VW bus after we sell our current vehicle. Cooper S is still in the future.
I still want to test-drive an R56 to be sure. But, for now, we are getting a VW bus after we sell our current vehicle. Cooper S is still in the future.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 113
Likes: 1
From: Florida
I made my choice when I purchased the 06 mini, items I prefrerred, the lower stance, the front hood, the smaller size, the interior, less the cup holder, simple, just the overall look. It appears the second generation backed off from the edgeness to appeal to a bigger market which is a good thing for BMW. The second generation mini is still a cool car though!
1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 33
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From: Sacramento, CA
Obviously both models are great cars! It all comes down to personal preference. Do you prefer refined or raw, supercharged or turbocharged... Personally I love the raw feeling of the R53 but prefer the refined look and feel of the R56 interior. Both models look and feel great in the S or JCW version and I'd be happy with either one because although they both have their pluses and minuses, you can always mod to taste. If we are talking purely stock then I'd have to go with the raw feeling of the R53 but again that's just my preference.
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,036
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From: Burlington, New Jersey
LOL I love the "disregard" people have for whichever model they don't own. Personally I think they are all great. If they were still making the R50 version, thats what I would have gotten because I wanted a new MINI. That being said I love my MINI R-whatever it is.
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 883
Likes: 2
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I'll take the aches and pains of a rugged R53 over the high tech, cushy, piston shooting, engine blowing R56. (though I am jealous of the R56's MPG #'s)
Note! I'm not just shooting my mouth off. I frequent the local Mini Dealer/Repair shop and have seen several R56 engines torn apart while the R53's are getting repairs around the engine. (Mini Driver since 03)
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 243
Likes: 4
From: Calgary
I like my R53. It's definitely sportier, but also louder and harsher in every way, than my folks' British, RHD, base R56. I would much prefer the fuel mileage of a turbo R56 to my SC'd R53, which gets worse mileage, I think, than my '94 VR6 4-Runner. But really, I'm not in this for the mileage...not anymore, at least.
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 477
Likes: 16
From: San Antonio, Texas
BINGO!!!!
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I'll take the aches and pains of a rugged R53 over the high tech, cushy, piston shooting, engine blowing R56. (though I am jealous of the R56's MPG #'s)
Note! I'm not just shooting my mouth off. I frequent the local Mini Dealer/Repair shop and have seen several R56 engines torn apart while the R53's are getting repairs around the engine. (Mini Driver since 03)
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I'll take the aches and pains of a rugged R53 over the high tech, cushy, piston shooting, engine blowing R56. (though I am jealous of the R56's MPG #'s)
Note! I'm not just shooting my mouth off. I frequent the local Mini Dealer/Repair shop and have seen several R56 engines torn apart while the R53's are getting repairs around the engine. (Mini Driver since 03)
While working for MINI I never had to replace an engine in an R53 or R50. I replaced more R56 engines and timing chains than I changed oil.
Fact is the R56S is just not as reliable imo. Granted all cars have issues, the power steering for example on the 1st gen. But I would rather replace a power steering pump and an engine on my dime.
I also prefer the looks of the 1st gen. But owners are going to defend their purchase. The good news is this, I did not buy your car and you did not buy mine
Fact is the R56S is just not as reliable imo. Granted all cars have issues, the power steering for example on the 1st gen. But I would rather replace a power steering pump and an engine on my dime.
I also prefer the looks of the 1st gen. But owners are going to defend their purchase. The good news is this, I did not buy your car and you did not buy mine
Last edited by Professor; Mar 4, 2012 at 10:09 AM.
