Anybody have both? I've been thinking about trading out my '05 for a new one. How are they different? I can see what the difference is in options etc; I'm talking about the 'feel' and things that don't show up in the brochures. What has anybody noticed between the two?

 

I'm new here and just starting my Mini shopping process, but in the past couple of days I've test driven a few Gen 1 Convertibles and today I drove my first 2009. The rear visibility in the 2009 has drastically improved the car. With the top up in the 2005 I drove, you could barely see out the back window, and even with the top down...backing up was a challenge. Even looking over my right shoulder, it was still tough to see anything directly behind me. I couldn't tell how close to the side of my garage I was on the passenger's side...and had to back out by letting the Force guide me (instead of actual site lines).

In the 2009 I test drove, the roll bars over the rear seats have been dropped several inches (I'd say at least 4-6), so you can see out the back window when the top is on. It's a much closer experience to driving a hardtop Cooper. You can also see behind the car much better with the top open. Before I started test driving, I wasn't really considering new Minis (the only reason would have been because I could completely customize the design)...but now, the 2009 is the front runner for me. I think the added visibility alone could warrant the extra cost.

Other noticeable changes included the re-configured dash (my wife likes the Gen 1 dashboard much better), added horse power (the new one feels a bit sportier), and the more intuitive control layout for the top, windows and mirrors. Last but not least, it rides at least a couple of inches higher off the ground, which is good for me...because I have a very steep driveway and the low clearance of the Gen 1's was just barely going to work.

 

I'd agree with everything that Josh said. The rear visibility is so much improved that alone makes the driver experience that much better. Having driven the Gen 1 a few hours before I picked up my Gen 2, I felt like Gen 2 is far more refined, however it was brand new while the Gen 1 was a used for sale vehicle. Here is my list from my personal experience showever short it was.

1. (Winner Gen 2) Gen 1 seems a little less sporty, and didn't have that feeling of hugging the road as Gen 2. That could be since Gen 1 had some 15000 miles on it, and my Gen 2 came with with 5 miles on it.
2. (Winner Gen 2) Gen 2 had this burst of power after I passed about 1400 RPM, which I didn't quite feel in the Gen 1, but then again different engines, and electronics.
3. (Winner Gen 1) Gen 1 had the famous pop/burble sound. Gen 2 didn't, and even with Sport mode turned on, I couldn't hear any even with the top down.
4. (Winner Gen 2) Gen 2's NAV/Computer seemed better than Gen 1. I know it's not perfect, but overall, it's a better unit in my opinion.
5. (Winner Gen 2) The built in USB and Bluetooth Convenience package is awesome. I can use a USB memory stick with my 8GB of music with many different play lists, and even still charge my iPhone 3G from the connections in the center arm rest (you do need to purchase the right cradle). This way I can listen to my music, charge my iPhone 3G, and still take a call through Bluetooth when one comes in.
6. (Winner Gen 2) As stupid as the OpenMeter is, it's still fun to see how many hours you've been topless. I reset it at each gass fillup, and keep track of it. I also like how the Gen 2 keeps a overall counter for the lifetime of the Mini. Kinda cool if youa ask me, but serves no real purpose other than enhancing the "Mini Youfication Experience".
7. (Winner Gen 2) Four words. Much better rear visibility.
8. (Winner Gen 2) Nice black rims with the sport package on the "S".
9. (Winner Gen 2) Awesome unique Interchange Yellow color on the "S" Convertible... Ok, I'm bias becuase that's the one I have, but still an awesome color.
10. (Winner Gen 2) Convenience Package. Never taken a key out of your pockets to start/lock/unlock the car, or open the boot lid.
11. (Both) Mini are awesome vehicles, so they both win for this one.
12. (Winner Gen 2) I'm not a Sat Radio type of guy, so HD Radio was my only option, and even with it's quarks, it was well worth it for me. Having access to more FM and AM station in HD was important, and in the SF Bay Area, there are many HD stations in both FM and AM.

In the end, I'd suggest you test drive the new one, and feel the difference. Yes, one will be new, and the other has been your baby since 2005, but drive the way you normally do, and see if you feel the difference both in the drivability and in the gadgets on board.