I was behind a very nice looking Red 2007 MCS today. It had 17" R90's on it and it looked great. However... They really have that thing raised up off the ground a lot more than the R53. You could really see under it and it looked like it had a lot of suspension play/room as well with significant wheel gap. Can't say I am a fan of the raised look but I am sure it makes over drivability better less performance handling...

 

looks like its on stilts

 

Yeah, and it's too bad that's all you're going to see of it (i.e. the rear end) since it seems to be able to run circles around the R53 on the track (in stock form no less). D'oh!

 

It may be good on the track, but how many times are you on the track? In real life on the street, looks play much more into it simply because of a thing called speed limits.

 

Personally I like em both. The new cars are still MINIs after all. We own two R53's and just purchased a R56. I think there's good (and bad) qualities to them both.

Just couldn't avoid the dig is all (since khd left the door wide open for it).

 

I love the new R56s. I just don't like the interiors center console, I miss the downtubes, radio, etc. I do like the real metal interior option, it's sexy.

 

When it rains (puddles and standing water) or you drive in a highly banked parking lot with many turns you'd want a bit of clearance.

The new R56 handles reasonably well, try the MCS with LSD and sports suspension. What I really like is the torque and quickness which is much improved over my old 2003 MCS.

Sure the interior is different but I can live with that and you can't really see the outside when you're driving so that's OK.

 

In the winter I am sure I would like the extra clearance. Lets stop the bickering about which is better as they both are amazingly fun cars.

 

Here's a pic I snapped while behind one on I-88 a few weeks ago:


The perspective makes it look like it's nearly as tall and with as much ground clearance as the Suburban in the adjacent lane...

Honestly though, when it's time to retire my R53, I'll be very happy with a new R56. I loved the one I test drove...

 

I still have to drive the R56, but I am too put off by the looks... They really took away a lot of the class IMO - the details are done incorrectly, it looks like it's on stilts, and it looks cheaper overall. At least it is a MINI I guess, which makes it better than most things out there. Maybe I should drive it to check out the engine and chassis.

 

I'm kinda getting into the looks of the R56 MCS. The giant, black "mouth" up front, the slightly chopped top, the hunched shoulders. I even like the rear bumper, at least when the rear fogs and Chrome Package trim are added. The lowered ones look great! I still think they pulled the headlights too far around to the sides, but I could live with that.

 

If the R56 was the car that was introduced in '02 we'd all be madly in love with it. Get a grip people. Everything changes, except people, I guess.

 

This morning I parked next to an 07's.
Gotta say though, still having trouble accepting the changes made to such a nice car. Why change a good thing (IMHO)
I have an R53, and I like everything about it.
there's something about the new ones that feels off to me, I really don't like the changes made to the front end or the rear bumper.
Mostly the removal of the Cowl Scoops as well as being replaced with a functionless plastic strip that makes it look like every other car.
And a functionless hood scoop, what's the point.
Don't let me get started with the interior:impatient

I'm sure it's a bit superior driving wise, I still wouldn't make the switch.
Unless it was all wheel drive.

 

To the OP, I agree, it is surprising how raised up they look, the impression is tilted a bit more towards the shape of a little SUV/van look for some reason (probably due to the bump out/more vertical slope of the hatch). I am still consistantly a tad taken aback by how much bigger the R56s appear when I see them driving around, It doesn't have the same 'look at that little mini car' feeling in context to other cars. It's interesting how little things and design cues add up.

 

 

Exactly!!

 

I know I've said it before but: Mikeg, that is a sweet looking car.

by the way, I don't think we really need to bring back the R53 vs. R56 debate again, do we?
I think that there are plenty of threads on this . . . and the debate seems to be more about personal preference and not very productive (it tends to get people upset -- NAM readers take the styling of their respective models very personally) -- just my 2 cents.

 

actually, the more recently built R56s have open hood scoops
Besides... it looks good! To each his own.

 

That is a funny point, like saying if I never had good red wine I'd be happy with box white Ignorance can be bliss, but when we do have designs to compare and eyes in our head it is reasonable to express preferences and opinions, no? Heck, I'm not outright against change, I'm up for liking new things - as a matter of fact I'll take an F430 over a 360 any day

 

I personaly like the R56, there are somethings that annoy me, but when I look at mikeg's I feel the same way about it as my 06. It is a beautiful car, it is a little different. After looking at one I almost think the R53 looks a little out dated in some ways, but it is a still a beatiful car

 

Do you have 3/4" travel left?

 

A little more than that. Probably 2". On hard bumps it will hit the bump stops. I am just waiting for someone to come out with aftermarket shocks.

 

At least they put some really nice looking rear control arms back there to look at and admire!

 

There are a few things about the 2007 that I don't like, the speedometer, the increased ride height, the fender vents & the wide tail lights. I do like thet front end & the red lounge leather interior looks hot. I would still buy one over a new GTI. Here is a pic I took of my car parked next to a new one.

 

3 words: fake hood scoop.

Hey BMW! You're not making a new Mustang! You're making a new Mini!