Hi guys,

I finally almost have enough to get me a mini! Hoorah!

I was just wondering from those who have more experience than I...what are the real differences between the 1st (up to 2006) and 2nd(2006+)generation coopers? specifically "S"s.

Thanks so much guys

 

Lots of threads on this...
The only similarities are the shape of the OUTSIDE of the car...
Similarities....that is about it....same building if you go to a dealer...
very different feels...both as a driver, passenger, and even from an ergonomics view..
different motors...both have strong/weak points...gen1 is generally a more basic modifiable motor IMO, and has been around longer and is better understood. The newer turbo motors have a different set of issues, and are more refined
You must test drive both to understand...
the gen1 (Supercharged car) 2002-2006 hardtop, and 2006-2008 cabrio) is more of a raw car with better feedback to the driver...in a wonderful way. Gen2 is more insulated, separate from the road....

 

Thanks man. Which do you drive and what do you/dont you like about it?
Also, the older ones do come with a stock turbo as well no?

 

Nope. First generation MINIs come with the option of a supercharged engine. Turbo was introduced with the 2007 model year. You should definitely test drive cars from each generation. You will feel the difference immediately.

 

Thanks guys. youve been helpful

 

In my humble opinion, the 05/06 years (and 07 and 08 if it's a convertible) are the best years. I just love the more visceral feeling and sound of the 1st gen cars with the supercharger.

Do a search on this site for many threads comparing the two generations.

 

what should i actually type in the search though?

 

turbo is on gen2 only, the gen1 has a SUPERCHARGER!!

BOTH "S"'s have forced induction.....

 

I'd type in "1st", "2nd", "gen" (or "generation"), and "compare" (no quotes, of course on any) and see what comes up.

 

I owned a 2002 S up to the time I bought a 2007 S; aka a first run GEN1 and a first run GEN2

All along the way I've done 'free work' on MINIs for others ... 'cuz I had the time and the garage; Oh btw I also have owned a 1979 Mini for 8 years now . . .

My two cents:

When MINI came out in the US it was a HARD drivers car ... the suspension was TIGHT and even the dealer when I went in for my test drive said "slip the clutch or you'll never get out of the parking lot." A real drivers car IMO . . . the only MINI that compared to my 79 Mini



but

From that day on, MINI softened the suspension and adjusted the gear ratios so the car went from a drivers machine ... to a nanny car they could sell to soccer moms. As they softened the suspension to sell the car the aftermarket for stiffer sway bars et al took off. And wasn't it NICE to be able to increase the HP with a $100 pulley change vs the $5000 price of the JCW for the same boost????

In 07 MINI came back at us: "we don't like you mod'ing the car". TURBO means no more cheap boost increase via a pulley change. Heck, they even diddled with Whalen's shift **** option and let's not even CONSIDER a radio head unit change. My 2007 reminds me of my 1975 Cutlass Salon .. power, but 'cushy'

On the flip side

My 2002 S, once the warranty expired, experienced a $1000+ issue every year - and since we did not live in a place where there was a dealer or even a MINI savy mechanic near by, we HAD to sell the car. My 2007 S on the other hand, has been to the (hour away) dealer three times, for the pre paid maint' oil changes

I'm gettin' ready to replace my 07-S .... and I see that the 95 Miata I sold to a kid down the street at 140,000 miles is still going strong .. after 5 more years ... hmmmm

No recommendations from me ... just data to consider

 

Both generations have regular Cooper and Cooper S models. In all cases the "Justa" Cooper models have non-forced induction. The first generation Cooper S has the supercharger, and the second generation Cooper S (and the JCW Cooper) have the turbocharger.

The second-generation cars are newer, have more power, and get better fuel economy. They are also more refined and comfortable, though calling them "soft and cushy" is a real stretch IMHO. That's in addition to the differences mentioned in the other posts above.

If you want a car that's less than seven years old, it will be a 2nd-gen. If you want one that's seven years old or older, it'll be a 1st-gen.

They each have their own problems (e.g., mushrooming shock towers in the 1st gen, CVT problems; aux water pump problems and t-stat housing problems in the 2nd gen) and they each have their high points.

 

Mushrooming towers is easily solved. And simply don't get an automatic, CVT or not. And the HP differences are very minor. 1st gen rules!

(I'd go for a low mileage 06 (or 07/08 if a cabriolet), in at least S trim with a 6 speed. Bonus points for JCW, limited slip, aero kit, etc.

 

I own a 2004 MCS. Love everything about it! My friends always tell me to get something "faster and Quicker" like a GTi Or a ST - but I realised that there are always faster cars than a R53 or R56, but it does not make them "Better" IMO Speed doesn't determine whether a car is better or not.

I've also driven a family friends 2010 R56 and the whole time I drove it was really me comparing the two. "Hmm,that feels different" - "hmm, no rattles"
Its been said a million times but the R53 feels more Raw, feels Hard. The R56 feels more mature and overall the ride is more comfortable especially on roads with speedhumps

The Turbo vs Supercharger will always be debated but I think it really comes down to personal preferance

I love my R53 to bits and have no plans of getting an R56 or any other car for that matter. Its also my first car! That being said, Both are great cars. I don't think one is better than the other. Their "different" to each other. Neither the R53 or R56 shadows the other. They co-exist and are both BRILLIANT!

 

It depends on what you're looking for. The R56 is definitely the more comfortable of the two, as it's slightly bigger, has a softer suspension, and more creature comforts. The R53 on the other hand is slightly smaller, easier to mod, and has what some drivers would describe as a more raw or connected feel to it. They are both great rides in their own way and I don't want to sound like everyone else, but you really do have to drive both of them to form your own opinion.

In the end, I went with an R53. Although I'm often one of the only R53s participating in runs with the local club, whenever I feel that satisfying click after a gear change, I know I've made the right choice for me.

 

I went from a 2003 MCS to a 2012 JCW. I struggled for a long time with getting away from the R53. The super charger whine and the really stiff handling was something I did not think I would ever want to give up.

Now that I have a 2012 JCW I really was missing out by not upgrading sooner. The exhaust note is much more aggressive. The power difference is huge. The amount of low end torque compared to my 2003 is amazing. The clutch and shift feel is much nicer. The only thing that I would like is a stiffer suspension, but I will fix that soon enough.

Oh, and the brakes on the R56 are a lot better, and on my JCW they are GREAT....

 

The 1st Gen just feels right. I cut my driving teeth on British sports cars back in the '60s and '70s and love the feel of oneness with motor and road. Suburban sensabilities have driven all that out of the market and nearly been forgotten. If you want cushy comfort and nanny safety get a land yacht. Otherwise, for a satisfying MINI motoring experience, an '06 or '07 S MANUAL cabrio is the only way to go.

 

can't go wrong with a R53 jcw, or R53 S that you mod yourself.

I'd go to a dealer, and drive a few different models.

 

Cabrio? Extra weight and extra flexy for a car that's about handling?

Just goes to show, people like different things--which is probably why they build different MINIs.