R50/53 1st generation MINI looks better than 2008 model
Sorry I didn't have a picture of the MCS, so I had to use an obvious MC which would not have had a SC whine now nor then...
Riddle me this: why do they call the R56 a MCS?... Shouldn't it be a MCT?
And while we are at it: Shouldn't they call it Assteroids instead of Hemorrhoids.
Riddle me this: why do they call the R56 a MCS?... Shouldn't it be a MCT?
And while we are at it: Shouldn't they call it Assteroids instead of Hemorrhoids.
definetelly. i tell everyone i know how much i hate that they took a perfect car and instead of actually making it smaller like the classic (which i was HOPING they were going to do) they somehow managed to make it BIGGER and TALLER. what a stupid decision. i want a classic so bad. i even think my mini is to big.
There are many theories out there on what it stood for when first used -- the prevailing one seems to be "Special" but others are "Super" and "Sport"
I'd add "Sexy" to the list
Last edited by reelsmith.; Jul 30, 2008 at 09:14 AM. Reason: sppellling
I don't know if i'm the only one who thinks so, but I was parked next to a 1963 Austin Cooper today and I cant help thinking that it looks better than the BMW version . . . I know the new BMW mini is technically a better car but I cant help thinking that the older version just looks better on the outside. The newer model seems to have lost the mini look somewhat, it looks more like a standard car.
yeah it would be hard not to pick you car. looks sweet!
Well, we own one of each gen, and they both look great!
There's something to be liked (or hated) in each gen, so you can't really generalize which one is "better". Don't forget, each MINI is unique in itself, so we might as well argue about colors, stripes, rims... urm wait, we DO!
Long live the MINI in whichever form, I say!
There's something to be liked (or hated) in each gen, so you can't really generalize which one is "better". Don't forget, each MINI is unique in itself, so we might as well argue about colors, stripes, rims... urm wait, we DO!
Long live the MINI in whichever form, I say!
Love everything about my R53. The R56 looks a little more aggressive to me which I like. It sits too high though. As far as the exterior goes I like both. The interior on the R56 to me looks really cheap. The customization with stereo and the cd player and the overall center console is what will keep me from buying an R56 for a while. Hopefully they will change it on the next model...
Good call!!
The real question (with all due respect) is...what rock has the OP been living under that he just now got around to noticing something we've been discussed/debating for over two years??? As it relates to "anyone else"...I think most of us around here have moved on.
Let's see, we've finished w/ the Clubman. Next up?....picking on the '09 cabrio.
The real question (with all due respect) is...what rock has the OP been living under that he just now got around to noticing something we've been discussed/debating for over two years??? As it relates to "anyone else"...I think most of us around here have moved on.
Let's see, we've finished w/ the Clubman. Next up?....picking on the '09 cabrio.

You certainly have a right to be tired of, exasperated, "moved on about" or whatever. People notice things at different rates for whatever reason. This is a discussion forum, not a new topic forum. If its old hat, just don't click the link.
Personally, a rehash keeps me grounded. It keeps poor pedestrians who happen to walk in front of my poorly designed but intentionally ordered in 7/06 R53, safe from my deadly, lower hood because I am reminded of their vulnerability by threads like this. Lord knows how many have been saved!
I much prefer the looks of the R53 (even the older modle pre-facelift)
I find it resembles a classic Mini more with the headlights and bodylines.
The only thing that really turns me off the R56 styling is the headlights how they swoop back and to the side, really turns me off, aswell as the giant speedometer in the center (just seems outlandishly big to me).
However that being said I much prefer the drivetrain of the R56.
Perfect world for me, R56 drivetrain in a R53 chassis
I find it resembles a classic Mini more with the headlights and bodylines.
The only thing that really turns me off the R56 styling is the headlights how they swoop back and to the side, really turns me off, aswell as the giant speedometer in the center (just seems outlandishly big to me).
However that being said I much prefer the drivetrain of the R56.
Perfect world for me, R56 drivetrain in a R53 chassis
that post(s) awhile back and without complaint, promptly got a dangerously large clip-on like the Allview wide angle mirror. Looks good?...not so much. Blindspots? None.
You'll have to remind me of something else. There's plenty of dead horses on this board though and I promise to take that reminder like a man.
I love the R53! (On topic obligation fulfilled)
It's okay, I suppose....being a distorted R50 and all!!! (still on-topic)
Oh, and on the mirror...yes, very dead horse....no need to discuss....forget I mentioned it!!!

Oh, and on the mirror...yes, very dead horse....no need to discuss....forget I mentioned it!!!
I LOVE my R53. For me, I think the biggest drawback to the R56 is, like some have pointed out, the proportions of it...the windows are shorter or the panels are taller, higher stance...?? but, something is "off". Thats not to say I don't like the R56, I just prefer the '53. A good friend of mine just bought a R56 and it's awesome!! By far, it's the best looking one I've seen...and it gave me a new respect for them. I wave to ALL MINI drivers.
Car company designers are Myopic and Short Sighted and lack mental depth
Why do these designers continue to mess with a good recipe.
If BMW does to the Cooper, what Subaru eventally did to the WRX ( 08 model looks like a sissy car ), and Scion did to the XB ( Looks like every other boxy car now) , the appeal and uniqueness of the MINI will fade off into the sunset like Gary Cooper......
If BMW does to the Cooper, what Subaru eventally did to the WRX ( 08 model looks like a sissy car ), and Scion did to the XB ( Looks like every other boxy car now) , the appeal and uniqueness of the MINI will fade off into the sunset like Gary Cooper......








