I will say that these exact threads are very helpful to the newbies, like myself. I was originally leaning toward new, but I liked what I heard about the old. And for the next person, it will be vice versa. But, if people didn't discuss the advantages and disadvantages, it'd be harder for a new person to find out potential likes and dislikes.

 

OK I'll start....WHAT! No supercharger whine????

 

+ 1 MAC hands down

 

Two opposite opinions and I agree with them both. Wow, too bad the rest of life isn't this simple.

 

The traditional maxim is "nobody likes a whiner." However, that's not so true around these parts.

 

+1 on the MAC, however irrelevant to this thread. (I couldn't resist)

I agree with the few of you who have been effectively trying to end this thread. I think over time the R56 will look less 'different' as we will become more used to the change in looks. Thats just how things work.

But I still LOVE my S/C, having owned both S/C and turbo cars.

 

my gf's grandparents just bought an 08 cooper...and we had them parked side by side in the driveway...and it was an overwhelming consensus that everyone liked mine better. but that might be because ive spent the past year dumping all my money into mine too...

 

If I went with a an R56, it would be lowered and have the rear foglights. It dramatically improves the stance and overall visual dynamics of the car for me. As it is, though, I prefer the qualities of my R53 for the time being.

 

 

Am I missing something here? I've parked next to an R53 and looking at both cars side by side...


I don't see the "4x4" stance everybody comments on.


Maybe I have to revamp what I consider 4x4 huh?

 

If you look at the cars the rear, the R56 looks like there's a lot more "space" under the bumper than the R53. It might simply be a visual thing. It certainly appears like there's more ground clearance on the R56, hence the 4x4 remarks.

From the side, the R56 also appears to have more space in the fenderwell for the tires. I personally believe it has something to do with the wheel arch trim being thicker - so again, just a visual effect. Again, while not "really" being like a 4x4, the perception of extra space makes it seem more 4x4ish.

 

Aha! Okay, I get it. I only took a picture from the front and only glanced at the rear. Thanks

 

I'm an R53 MCS owner and I honestly believe, HANDS DOWN, the interior - the speedometer and various gauges - overall layout just plain looks BETTER. I am biased but I have a comparison:

Here's my loaner from Prestige MINI in northern NJ. I have to say I stepped on the gas and that Turbo enhanced S placed my fanny firmly into the back of the seat. The '08 MCS is a little rocket! Even with the A/C on. 0 to 60 in... very quickly.

That said, I can't wait to return this car to the dealer today and get my beloved HBB 6 spd manual back. 76,100 miles so far.

 

The thing that bugs me is that the headlights stay in place as you open the hood... Maybe t's not even the headlight that bugs me but the extra chrome ring... that and the hood looks extra big. Other than that it looks like a mini. BAH I don't know

 

usually, when a new model is released, the older one looks 'dated'. The R53 is a classic design....I think it's aging just fine. For me, as much as I like the turbo mill, the R56's proportions look just a bit 'off' in comparison (though there are some nice improvements like the seats).

 

Could be much worse. Look at the first vs second gen Audi TT. The current model sure looks nice, but they completely lost the original style.

 

my black macbook looks great along with my black R53.

 

Where does the black iPhone sit with those others?

On topic--I puke every time I see an R56... They are just bigger in every respect. Must be the same feeling Classic owners get when they see an R50 or R53. Haha.

 

I can't believe the new MCc won't have the SC whine

 

Woah. I really like the new TT's! I think they look sweeeeet.

 

The box said "Windows XP or better" so I bought a Mac.

 

I prefer the new TT -- a better example might have been the new STi.

 

I just talk to Ralph on the big white telephone

 

VAST improvement over the bathtub TT. More angular and menacing.

 

mac