okay i am asking cuz i dont know the goood n the bad of both. but i would like to know the difference. like wat yrs is the r53? supercharge turbocharge? and anything else so i cud have some info. i got a r56 but i want one of each. thanks for any help.

 

This forum is littered with all sorts of comparisons....do a search. But in simple terms: (in my opinion having owned both)

R53:
-2002-2006
-Supercharged
-More of a pure, raw mechanical feel, better car for fun/canyon/track/spirited driving
-Steering feel is tighter and more direct
-Interior not as refined as R56
-Less mechanical issues
-Less torque, but a flat torque curve
-Easy to mod

R56:
-2007+
-Turbocharged
-More refined interior, softer feel...more of a 'detached' driving experience
-Looser steering feel, less direct
-Argueably a better all around car for everyday street driving
-Numerous, well documented quality and mechanical issues
-Awesome gas mileage
-Torque monsters...but all low-end torque which runs out of steam by 5k RPM

Those are very simple comparisons...and all in my opinion only. I will say that having owned both, I'll take an R53 over a 56 anyday. They better capture the true essence of what a MINI was, and should be.

 

+1 But I still love m R56.

 

And if you're into convertibles, the first gen car continued through 2007 and 2008 before the switch was made to the second gen.

 

Every time I drive a R56 non-s, I am reminded how awesome my R50 is. So glad that I sold an E46 (BMW 3 series) to get this car.

 

with reliability as an issue or concern, would it be better to buy an used R53 even with hi mileage compared to a newer R56 w/ lesser mileage ?
granting the R53 was well serviced ?
thanks in advance