I'm new to the minis so...
what are the difference and can someone explain and/or post pics to show the differences inside and out if it is not too much trouble.

 

check this thread out:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...r56+comparison

 

or this one:

http://www.mini2.com/forum/faq.php?f...ni_generations

 

Main difference are the engines, then interior, exterior....oh and rear suspension.

 

Hmm. It would be interesting to know how many and what parts -- if any at all -- are shared or transferable between the older models and the R56, which seems pretty much a new car, inside and out.

 

The gap cap and the cigarette lighter might be the same. Not sure...I see no bloating.

 

The hood design clearly stands out. Although I ordered the 07 I do like the way the 1st gen hood curves are design.

 

I need a 'can of worms' smilie

 

The problem with that MINI2 page is that it over-generalizes with the numeric model year as the differentiator. They really don't properly account for the fact that the convertible models (R52) are still 1st Gen, and continue throughout 2007 & 2008 as 1st Gen models.

Therefore, it's not accurate to simply state that 2007+ MINIs are 2nd Gen. It depends... hardtop or convertible?

 

This is a big one...and the entire beltline is a bit higher on R56, too. Those two changes also affected the profile of the rear hatch and the thickness of the black wheel arch trim, the mass of the side repeaters, and more. You're also right that in spite of the fact that so many things are a different between R50/53 and R56, to the untrained observer the cars still look pretty much alike. Pretty amazing.

Styling is one thing...mechanicals are another. The cars are completely different in that regard, too (the biggest change being the move from supercharger to turbo for the MCS)...but both are still fun to drive and highly engaging. Really it's as if virtually everything on the car was changed....a little.

 

How about one worm to start

Mark

 

care rides higher and the rear side windows are not curved anymore. Pretty easy to pick them out after looking

 

You're going to distinguish 1st Generation from 2nd by looking at the exterior and interior ... the MINI2 FAQ provides pictures to allow you to do this.

Model year applies to US MINIs ... the VIN on a European MINI doesn't contain a model year designation.

As far as the Convertible is concerned, it's pictured under 1st Generation and NOT second, and the description states:

 

Teehee

 

Me too

 

I remember reading an article that said that ALL the panels have been redesigned. Driving both I believe that there are probably very few things that are the same.
I thought that the new Mini was designed to meet new EuroNCAP rules which were laid out to protect pedestrians. Front ends are designed to push people out of the way, and hoods are now designed to absorb impact and cushion you from hitting the motor.

 

here's two Dark Silver (DS) cars together....one is '06 and one '07. Note the taller glass on the car on the left vs. the shorter glass on the right. Taller beltline is the main styling difference, but it's hard to see without the cars side by side.

 

PGT since you have both which one do you like better?

 

the R56 is not mine. I had it for a bit and drove it back and forth to the owner's shop. For me, the R53 is more fun for sure and I like the interior better, but the R56 is a better car for everyday driving and is quicker stock than mine is modded. I don't think you can go wrong with either, but you'll get people on all sides of the question, without a doubt.

 

This video has some good explanations too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uA7e-sB3EQ

 

When I started looking a couple of months ago, and even right up until a week before I bought my Mini, I couldn't really tell the difference aside from the interior, which is glaring. But, once you look at enough of them, it becomes blatant what the differences are. In addition to the beltline (which I didn't even know), the tailights, headlights, sidemarkers, exhaust pipes, bumpers (pretty much all of the panels) are shaped completely differently. They also added the push start ignition, changed the glove box, seats, interior colors, where the pull is to lower the front seat, the guages, wheels, added the secret storage compartment, both of the sunroofs tilt on the R56...

There is a world of difference...and that is just cosmetic.

I decided on the R53 after all was said and done because: A) I got a ridiculously good deal. B) I prefer the rawness and body shape of the R53 over the "refinement" on the R56. I do like the interior a bit on the R56, but it feels a bit empty overall, and almost to refined. I don't like the exterior body shape either. Some people have different opinions though, obviously. Aaron from OutMotoring recently said that he strongly prefers the feel of the R56 overall...

Different strokes for different folks

 

R53-Charlize Theron...R56-Jennifer Lopez...

Both hot in different ways...Personally, I prefer Charlize...

 

Okay, I'll be the dummy! I know there are lots of smaller differences between the R53 and the R56, but what is the original Mini called? The ones from the 60s and 70s... I thought they had some "generation" number attached. I can't recall where I got that from.

 

We refer to them as "Classics"...

 

So the R56 is not wider or longer?? Are they exactly the same??