Just drove a new one today while mine was in for service. The 2010 ride is more "passenger car" like as opposed to my go cart handling on the 2003. Performance?.....I found the power bands very, very nice on the 2010. I've got 15% pully, CAI, Shark power module on the 2003. The 2010 was more responsive to my feel. The AM bands on the radio actually WORK, on the 2003 very poor AM reception. Comfort on the 2010 is more refined, where the 2003 has more of a sports car feel. The "Sport" button on the 2010 is a nice kick, be good to have that on the 2003.

All in all - I'd say the 2010 S is a winner......BUT - the service tech who I have gotten to know quite well with my 2003 (!) shows me three (3) heads off the new models on the floor of the shop. Engine problems with the newer turbo models versus the more reliable old super-charged models.

Now - you can "argue" all these points - but it won't change my opinion. The 2010 is a terrific new model.

 

I was pretty impressed with the '09 S out of the box. The '10 can't be that much different. Any problems with ride or brakes could easily be solved by throwing money at it.

 

I'm going to test drive either an 09 or 10 next week just to see how they feel.

 

I can deal with the more user friendly feel of the R56, but what really irks me is the new center console. Looks horrible, next to the R53 with the BMW headunit.

But I agree with the OP. THe R53 definitely has a more toss-able feeling to it.

 

Try getting your ECU remapped, if what I hear about the Shark is true it really isnt helping your engine out.

 

They seem faster but I just don't like the look of them. They're slowly growin on me though...

 

Wow! I'm surprised that AM has not gone the way of the 8-Track.