.

 

Both are boosted, just in different ways. Each has their benefits and drawbacks. Your question is too vague to give you the answer you are looking for. Do a little more research and be a little more specific with your question and we can all help you better.

 

Another way to look at the question is this. The SC models exist in the Gen 1 version, '02 to '06 and to '07 for the R52. The Gen 2 versions are turbo and the ones with the N14 'Prince' engine are to be avoided at all cost.
The W11 lump and Getrag gear box in the Gen 1 models are near bullet proof if they're not abused.

 

I am also thinking of buying an S, not replace my '06 R50 but as well as. My personal preference is for an '05 or '06 MCS, because I like the Gen 1 MINI's (the subject of this forum/thread). My own view is that a face lift MCS JCW is my ultimate Gen 1 MINI. Yes, there is the GP, but that has one design flaw that is not easy to correct. It was not available in Chili Red!!!!

 

I have the '05 supercharged. If you go for a turbo, I've heard to stay away from the '07's as they tend to have more troubles. The R53's are good cars if you take care of them.

 

You're asking this question in the supercharged forum. I would post this in the turbo forum too. Be interesting to see if those guys say get a sc mini.

My vote is go supercharged

 

They are totally different cars inside and out. Like people are saying for the supercharged stay with 05-06 or possibly a GP if you can find one. For the turbo stay with the N18 engines which are 2011+ for the S and 2013+ for the JCW.

 

I drove my 2006 R53 for 135k miles and now I drive a 2012 R59S roadster with the N18 engine.

The R53 is smaller, has more character, the engine sounds better, is considered the most reliable model (05/06), but you need to mod it to match the performance of the Gen2 S.

The Gen2 S with the N18 engine is slightly larger, has more power and torque when stock, has slightly better build quality in the cabin, switched to electric power steering so the steering wheel feel is more "vague", and the long term reliability is unknown.

This question usually comes down to what you can afford. If it's between a 05/06 R53 vs a 07/08 R56S (older N14 engine) then get the R53.

For me personally the only reason I parted ways with my R53 was the wife and I decided a 2 seater convertible would be more fun for us; otherwise I was planning on driving my R53 forever. My only regret is that I couldn't keep both.

 

^+1 Very true, the R53 is a much more fun car with more charcter and reliablity(compared to the N14) and i think the supercharger just make the car complete. The r56 is fun but no FUN fun.

 

Some good threads to check out:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...53-vs-r56.html
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...one-sided.html
http://www.mini2.com/forum/general-d...56-review.html

 

Uh, I drive a 2005 Hyper Blue Electric S, for supercharged, so you probably know what I will say, cause I love that little car.
I love the sound of the SC and the on demand power with no lag ever but I agree with the above that you should research it and figure out what you want and then realize that whatever you decide you should probably go with the supercharger

 

The 06 R53 is the one to look for. W-11 engine with the best supercharger. Easy to mod, and really, the best looking car of the bunch