R50/53 Would you have gone with a MINI?
Well, as a 3 time 1st gen MINI owner I would say that I still prefer the looks, character and driving demeanor of the first generation over the new 2nd gen MINIs. I also own a Clubman S and I love it. But to me 1st and 2nd gen cars are completely different beasts.
BMW nailed the 1st gen cars to perfection. They are a very worthy successor to the original 1959-2000 Issigonis Mini. BMW managed to capture the quirky spirit of the original on a 21st century package. The design details are exquisite (Both inside and out) and the noises the car makes are the right ones. The supercharger whine, the exhaust burble, the firm/tight steering, the go-kart reflexes, the firm suspension, the new MINIs look bloated, no more clamshell hood with the headlights attached, etc.
The second generation MINI is a car with a different underlying philosophy. MINI wanted to reduce manufacturing costs, increase profits and make the car more palatable to a much bigger market audience. If you drive a 1st gen MINI Cooper S, the car is "brutal", noisy and rides harsh. For people coming from SUVs, Honda Accords and Toyota Camrys that was a huge turn off. The first gen was more of an enthusiast car and not a car really aimed at the everyday driver looking for comfort and road noise insulation.
So MINI, for the second generation, decided to make the car more refined and easier to live with on a daily basis. Not a bad thing per se, but in the process they did sacrifice some of the quirkiness, visceral feeling and the character that had made the first car such a success. When I drive my Clubman (And I emphasize the point that I love driving it) I feel more like behind the wheel of a BMW than a MINI. In my 2005 R53 S I feel more like driving a Rover MINI than a BMW. Totally opposite feel.
So if you look at the second gen cars from a "purist" perspective, you will say that the new MINIs and contrived and compromised cars. They are damn fine cars, but they are more akin to a BMW 3 series than to a classic Mini. Some of the "original flavor" has been lost in name of refinement and increased sales/market share.
Conversely, if you look at the R53 from the perspective of the R56 owner, he or she would say that the first BMW MINIs don't have much low end torque, have noisy/low tech Brazilian made Chrysler powerplants, ride harsher, don't have as many toys/gizmos, the seats are uncomfortable, fuel economy is not as good, etc, etc. Its all a matter of perspective.
If you have not driven a 2002-2006 MINI hardtop (Especially an S model), I encourage you to do so. Find out for yourself. You may or may not love the car. Some folks have comeback from the R56 into the R53 and viceversa. Some folks prefer the newer cars due to better fuel mileage and more refined manners.
At the end of the day, it all boils down to personal preference. I love both cars but my favorite is still my R53 S.
BMW nailed the 1st gen cars to perfection. They are a very worthy successor to the original 1959-2000 Issigonis Mini. BMW managed to capture the quirky spirit of the original on a 21st century package. The design details are exquisite (Both inside and out) and the noises the car makes are the right ones. The supercharger whine, the exhaust burble, the firm/tight steering, the go-kart reflexes, the firm suspension, the new MINIs look bloated, no more clamshell hood with the headlights attached, etc.
The second generation MINI is a car with a different underlying philosophy. MINI wanted to reduce manufacturing costs, increase profits and make the car more palatable to a much bigger market audience. If you drive a 1st gen MINI Cooper S, the car is "brutal", noisy and rides harsh. For people coming from SUVs, Honda Accords and Toyota Camrys that was a huge turn off. The first gen was more of an enthusiast car and not a car really aimed at the everyday driver looking for comfort and road noise insulation.
So MINI, for the second generation, decided to make the car more refined and easier to live with on a daily basis. Not a bad thing per se, but in the process they did sacrifice some of the quirkiness, visceral feeling and the character that had made the first car such a success. When I drive my Clubman (And I emphasize the point that I love driving it) I feel more like behind the wheel of a BMW than a MINI. In my 2005 R53 S I feel more like driving a Rover MINI than a BMW. Totally opposite feel.
So if you look at the second gen cars from a "purist" perspective, you will say that the new MINIs and contrived and compromised cars. They are damn fine cars, but they are more akin to a BMW 3 series than to a classic Mini. Some of the "original flavor" has been lost in name of refinement and increased sales/market share.
Conversely, if you look at the R53 from the perspective of the R56 owner, he or she would say that the first BMW MINIs don't have much low end torque, have noisy/low tech Brazilian made Chrysler powerplants, ride harsher, don't have as many toys/gizmos, the seats are uncomfortable, fuel economy is not as good, etc, etc. Its all a matter of perspective.
If you have not driven a 2002-2006 MINI hardtop (Especially an S model), I encourage you to do so. Find out for yourself. You may or may not love the car. Some folks have comeback from the R56 into the R53 and viceversa. Some folks prefer the newer cars due to better fuel mileage and more refined manners.
At the end of the day, it all boils down to personal preference. I love both cars but my favorite is still my R53 S.
Coordinator :: PDX MINI
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 377
Likes: 0
From: Beautiful Vancouver, WA
Fast cars can be driven fast, but you have to pick your time and place carefully. Everything related to motoring increases on an exponential scale with the ability of the car.
With a base MINI, it is fairly easy to find a stretch of road to drive spiritedly. There is low-moderate cost to upgrade/fix/service it. Overall, lots of fun/dollar on American roads.
But, get yourself into a Porsche, Audi, Merc, Lambo, Ferrari, et al., and it will be very difficult to find a good time and place to wring it out. The cost to upgrade/fix/service can be astronomical depending on the genus and species. Fairly low fun/dollar on American roads.
I would argue, though, that if you can get into a truly capable, fast car, you should be able to afford some track time to quench your thirst for driving excitement.
dan
With a base MINI, it is fairly easy to find a stretch of road to drive spiritedly. There is low-moderate cost to upgrade/fix/service it. Overall, lots of fun/dollar on American roads.
But, get yourself into a Porsche, Audi, Merc, Lambo, Ferrari, et al., and it will be very difficult to find a good time and place to wring it out. The cost to upgrade/fix/service can be astronomical depending on the genus and species. Fairly low fun/dollar on American roads.
I would argue, though, that if you can get into a truly capable, fast car, you should be able to afford some track time to quench your thirst for driving excitement.
dan
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,010
Likes: 11
From: Ridgefield, CT
I am thankful for the second gen cars because they made me realize I had to have a first gen MINI.
I am not saying one is better than the other, but the first gen is the car for me.
I need a reliable, modern car. Period. The classic is a hobbiest's car. I'd still love one, tho.
Today, if a car doesn't make 100k with only oil changes, with maybe brakes, coolant and a timing belt change if the owner is really ****, we call it unreliable. Don't get me wrong, I do like today's perspective - my hands are much cleaner!
3rd Gear
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati, OH
Your not talking to me right? I don't think so but didn't want to ignore you if you were?
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Little Elm, TX
Me and my wife own both, she has an 07 S and, I a 04 JCW highly Modded. We love them both but, they could not be more different. The R56 is very roomy, better ride, more functional for everyday use. The R53 is bumpy, loud, brutal, and pure greatness. The looks I give to the R53 but even though the R56 is more user friendly the engine is great. The stock R56 engine is just plain mean. It still suprises me when I drive it as to how much torque it has. We love them both and thank Mini for giving us so many choices.
3rd Gear
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati, OH
Good I am glad I acknowledged you! 
I was a little confused since I have a hardtop S.
I went with a 2006 Mini again because I really like the raw feel of the vehicle compared to the newer versions, I like the supercharger whine and all the noiseness of the car, the dash and interior and the exterior styling. The 06 year is a good year for build quality as well.
The new Minis are great, so easy to drive, the turbo has great get up but the cost and the styling was just not for me.
I had a great fondness for my first Mini and it is likely that was also a BIG influence on me ending up with an 06 again.
I also just have a special liking to noisy, rattling and harsh rides, my 06 feels so refined compared to the 67, so it's all what you know I suppose!
I enjoy reading all the posts about people's experiences with the different years and models of Minis, they really have a Mini for everyone now I feel.
I was a little confused since I have a hardtop S.
I went with a 2006 Mini again because I really like the raw feel of the vehicle compared to the newer versions, I like the supercharger whine and all the noiseness of the car, the dash and interior and the exterior styling. The 06 year is a good year for build quality as well.
The new Minis are great, so easy to drive, the turbo has great get up but the cost and the styling was just not for me.
I had a great fondness for my first Mini and it is likely that was also a BIG influence on me ending up with an 06 again.
I also just have a special liking to noisy, rattling and harsh rides, my 06 feels so refined compared to the 67, so it's all what you know I suppose!
I enjoy reading all the posts about people's experiences with the different years and models of Minis, they really have a Mini for everyone now I feel.
After an extensive drive of a base R56 MCS (I usually drive the '08 R53 MCS), I can definitively say... nothing useful that hasn't been said before! Both cars are great fun. I do like the R53 Checkmate sport seats, the R56 engine, the R53 whine, the R56 economy, the R53 H/K sound, the R56 power, the R53 interior appearance, the R56 interior quiet, and the Classic's looks.
blah blah blah, guess I can't have it all without a larger paycheck and garage!
blah blah blah, guess I can't have it all without a larger paycheck and garage!
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 414
Likes: 1
From: Rose Hill KS.
I certainly wouldn't have gotten into the classic mini if it hadn't been for the new MINI. Our first MINI is an 03 Cooper and its my daily driver. A lot of people around town still like the looks of it.
Then we bought a 73 mini which is a blast to drive. I love the way it handles when I hit the corners.
The next thing to happen was a surprise to both of us as to how much of a attention hog it really is, our 63 mini pickup. Every where we go with it there is always a crowd asking what is that and who customized it? It's fun to pull up beside a big 4x4 pickup at a stop light and just smile and wave. I take off and leave most of them because they are still doing a double take as to what the heck it is.
Then we bought a 73 mini which is a blast to drive. I love the way it handles when I hit the corners.
The next thing to happen was a surprise to both of us as to how much of a attention hog it really is, our 63 mini pickup. Every where we go with it there is always a crowd asking what is that and who customized it? It's fun to pull up beside a big 4x4 pickup at a stop light and just smile and wave. I take off and leave most of them because they are still doing a double take as to what the heck it is.
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