I like the R56 better - it looks fresher to me.

Both have their good and bad. What bugs me the most about the R56 is the lack of an temp gauge. That alone would make me think twice about buying one. Hopefully they correct that with the new one.

There's at least a fairly easy aftermarket solution to the temp gauge thing. For me, having spent the last seven years in a car that had only a temp light, and not a gauge, it doesn't bother me that much.

I think the previous reference to the R50/3 feeling more "raw" is an excellent description, both good and bad. The R56 feels more refined, a little classier (though there are still some VERY cheap plastics in places, like the AC controls), and has, imo, prettier lines overall. But the tradeoff is that it also feels a little more disconnected from drivetrain. To me, the tradeoff is worth it, but I understand why people who are used to the feel of the earlier generation would mourn the loss.

We really need a door panel comparison too. While I'm not particularly a fan of the doors' arm rest on my R56 or the way it feels...I much prefer it over the R53 door panel.

I actually like the R53 door panels a little more, as the R56 doors lost some personality without adding much quality.

I have a 2005 R52, have spent extensive seat time in a 2012 R56, and have a 2013 JCW Convertible (R??) inbound. All are manuals.

Thinks I love about the 1st Gen. Engine sound - supercharge whine at throttle, burbles and pops, even at idle it sounds great (2nd generation sounds very industrial at idle and has much more limited burbling.)
Purpose Driven - Yes there was a style, but it supported functionality. Gauges were clear, complete (coolent gauge was standard) and easy to read at a glance (2nd gen fuel gauge is just plain dsyfunctional, and "openometer" is just plain silly and takes space away from where I could put a gauge I need/want!). Switches seemed to be truly "industrial" while second gen seemed "faux industrial"

Things I didn't love about 1st gen that have been addressed in second gen. MPG - Okay, I drive hard and frequently in traffic but never getting better than 24 mpg, ever? With the exact same driving I'm now upper 20's/low 30s. Ride - While I like being "connected" to the road, there were times it felt like I was in a Radio Flyer red wagon. New suspension has kept the best and greatly reduced the worst. Door Stops - I swear there weren't any in the first Gen, and I don't live in a hilly area! Drove my wife nuts when she had anything in her hands. Manual Transmission Feel - Never had an issue with 1st Gen, but 2nd Gen is just a tremendous improvement. Seats - While I didn't hate 1st gen, there wasn't a lot going for them either. Especially in a car of this nature. 2nd Gen have made sport seats not only more comfortable, but more supportive IMO. And now that seat heaters have three levels, instead of two you can always find "just right"

That's my two cents!

Yes.
It's just you

No-one else would buy an older and slower car just for the peculiarities of the interior.

R56 has a better looking dash with better seats. Huge speedometer is a style statement, and not very usable in either car being out of line of sight of the driver.

Enjoy what you've got !

And it starts. Slower NOPE. Comes down to a driver as seen here. Read all the specs before you comment as to which is faster.

http://www.zeroto60times.com/Mini-Co...mph-Times.html

Clearly your OPINION like the rest of us. Let me guess you drive a R56.

I DID lol

I had the chance to get a 2nd gen but I went to the OLDER and SLOWER ( your opinion) car because of the Supercharger .