I think Mr. Casady has once again made an astute observation. I also started out with an R53, and now have an R56. And while I do miss the handling of the R53, I don't miss the harshness of the ride, or the fuel consumption, or the seats starting to deteriorate at 40k miles. In an effort to gain some of that handling back, I have added a 22mm rear bar and have the PSRS, which are currently waiting to be installed. The intention is to regain much of the handling prowess of the R53 without much of the harshness - hopefully I'll know in a month or so.

 

You know, I love my '08 MCS and '09 JCW more than either of my 1st generation minis... I like progression.

Having said that, I'm not sure why people are getting their panties in a knot. People have been comparing old models to new models forever.

The C4 Corvette guys thought the C5's were too refined, the C5 guys think the C6 is waay too refined. The old jeep guys don't like the new jeeps, blah, blah, blah. Same for Miata guys....

The older generations are more "feel the road", they have an abrasive car/driver connection. I know and understand. I think once the OP drives a new generation for a while, he'd understand and appreciate the power and refinement.

I'm not sure what he drove (cooper, S, JCW, etc, etc) but I assure you that my modded JCW is a blast to drive.

Mark

 

Robin,

I missed your post cause I didn't read all the posts, I just responded. As I mentioned in my previous answer, if you've ever driven a C4 vette or a first generation Miata, you'd know what they mean.

You can "feel" the road. I don't mean as in rough tires, I mean in the steering wheel, in the tires, the body roll, vibrations and all the quirks like squeeks and rattles.

Every generation that succeeds the older one, the cars become smoother, quieter and almost make you feel like you're driving your father's buick sometimes.

I can see the OP when comparing a second gen to an old 70's model but there really isn't that much difference between an R53 and a R56. It's a little more refined but it's not that much of a difference.

Mark

EDIT: sorry guys for the second post. I meant to copy and paste, I just naturally hit the space bar and save. Honestly wasn't trying to pad my post count....lol.

 

That's my issue. If you are going to beat a dead horse, at least bring a different weapon. Otherwise, the topic has been covered ad nauseum.

 

Still, this forum turned the occassion into something interesting for me. It's like reading poetry. At some point, it is more what you get out of it than what the poet may have intended.

Thanks, NAM-ers. I enjoy the constructive focus of the board.

 

I hate PT Cruisers. I learned how to drive in one (yes, I'm young.).

I've driven both first and second generation BMW MINIs. I find a love for the 2005s in particular, but I am just as pleased with my 2009. They drive different, yes, but both have their own charm IMO. Never driven a classic Mini... would love to if I could find one though!

 

I think I can speak with some experience here. My wife has an '08 Clubman S, I have an '04 S (That I now use for track days), a '75 Classic Clubman Estate, and a '62 Classic Estate that I have autocrossed for years (FTD @ MME2005).
I love all four cars for different reasons. The '08 Clubman is a great all around car - we've had it to Maine, Florida, and Minnesota (and many points in between)It gets great gas mileage (36-37, and 28 towing one of the classics).
The '04 S is now my fun car - I love passing M3s on track!
The '75 is a really fun driver and show car. With a bored and stroked 1275 it can keep up with the new MINIs on the dragon.
And the '62 autocrosser - what an intense ride!

I guess it just depends on your needs and expectations.
Just my two (cute) cents worth...

 

I can speak also as we own a 09 R56 and a 03 R53. Yes my R53 feels "closer" to the road but as I drive the wifes R56 more it gets more sporty every time, especially when she is not in the car with me I think if we lowered it and installed a understrut system i'm sure there would be a huge improvement. BTW her car is a automatic, and belive it or not, the paddle shifters are very responsive. There are very different cars though.

 

I don't think either generation is better then the other. Some people like Super Chargers and other people like their Turbo Chargers. Both are good. There are actually people that like a "just a Mini" with automatic transmissions.
I love my 2009 JCW with Sport Suspension. It handles very well and it is a very quick car.
No reason to fight because we all like our own cars.
Ronnie948

 

YES!

I had a 2005 S auto, and it did feel different from my R56. I liked the interior a lot more, too - to me, it felt a lot more expensive and special - the new one looks a bit like Fisher-Price. The noise the supercharger made was great; you knew you were in the faster Mini immediately. And the driving experience was different - the car felt smaller, nimbler, faster, more agile (even if it was not). It all came together very nicely.

BUT

The car spent so much fuel it was ridiculous; the rattles were the worst I've ever had in any car; quality control was abysmal (worse than my R56!), and, to be quite honest, the ride was far too harsh and punishing for the handling.

I prefer my R56. It's a better executed car; the trade-offs are something I can live with. I can definitely see why someone would pick the 1st gen over it, though - it's amazing how much they look alike, yet how different they really are. And yes, even though the car was awful from a quality standpoint, I'm happy I got to drive one.

 

There was no Mini Cooper in 1972. They (Mini Cooper S) ended in 1971 and started back up in ... 91 I believe. Or 90. I'd have to double check.

Remember, not all Minis are Coopers!

 

I was referring to the OP's post.

 

I have a 2009 MCS and a 2007 335. The 335 was mine, but that was before we had a baby and sold the 1996 Maxima before we moved back to Vegas (my wife telecommutes). I love the MINI, but when I get back into the 335 I remember why I got it to begin with. The 335 will be coming off lease in July, but will probably be traded for a X5 before then. I don't know what I'm going to get in the future, but I have already thought about the next generation MCS and 3-series.

 

You'd think that after 3 years that the my johnson (R53) is better than your johnson (R56) would be over. Buy a hummer, seems like it's more your type.

A pink one.

 

No it doesn't.

 

I have a R56 MCS(3 Months old) I question anyone who compares any Cooper to a PT Cruiser. In addition, perhaps the connection is lost because a closed mind does not allow for anything else ones own view.

I was on a run with 3 first gen Coopers and my poor handling R56 was as good or better in performance. For it is not the car but the driver that gives the car it's "soul" sir.

In closing, i am very happy with my MCS and shame on anyone who nit picks to the point of being a snob.

Greywolf is on the Road and I am connected!

 

It's not like this is the first time there's been a re-run in thread content. The best solution to re-run threads that you think aren't worth anyone's time is to not post in them!

Matt

 

I like your insight. Intense, yes that would describe it. I basically used my classic coopers to get around Boston and Cambridge. A notorious driving environment. The Coopers were perfect for such a location. I image driving from Boston to NYC was a chore, I don't remember, but you are correct in you post. It is all about context.

 

Obviously I don't agree. And it looks like you don't either.

 

Dr obnxs - your handle says it all....if some doesn't want responses, don't post. You undoubtedly have other issues as well. It's a free country, old or new, if I see a post that is merely a personal opinion and I don't agree with it, it's my right as an American to disagree and post.

So, if you don't like it, too bad, go read something else.

The MC, MCS, etc.. are all great rides and everyone has different tastes and views. None are wrong and none are right, they are merely a choice.

I may be new to MC's in general, but not to purest attitudes.

Have a nice day!

 

some have posted that one shouldn't make this particular opinion on a Mini forum. I've pointed out that many have, and many who have posted own minis. Totally in support of the idea that if one has an opinion, it's totally OK to express it.

Some have posted that the notion that this has been covered before, while accurate, isn't really that on point because EVERY issue is covered in more threads than is needed, and that's the nature of the beast. Love it or not, that's the way internet forums are. Just look at how many posts there are on what rear sway bar is best!

Really, the only way I've seen to kill threads other than a moderator lockdown is to not post to it. No matter what the content of a comment, no matter how on or off point, every comment gives a thread a new life. Every comment "you shouldn't say that here" brings a thread to the top of the list. Every comment "that's been covered before" does the same.

So what the OP doesn't like how the R56 rides. That's OK, he doesn't have to like how an R56 rides. Doesn't make the fact that other like how the R56 rides any less valid.

Whatever ussues I may or may not have, all that is written here is pretty much true. Sorry if I didn't express it that clearly before.

Matt

 

Had an '04 PT Cruiser Turbo, great car, never a lick of trouble for 58K miles...may be because the Daimler-Benz influence finally produced a good PT. I usually replace my cars every 1.5 to 3 years but loved the PT so much I kept if for 5 -- Anyhow, the PT was very fast and handled great, cornering was exceptional especially when I changed the stock Goodyears to Fuzion tires. My Cooper is also great, not as fast as the PT off the line but the Sport button helps alot, and what can I say about the handling...what it may lack in punch it more than makes up for in turning/cornering. Plus I've been getting about 35+ mpg combined on avg...and used to get about 20 mpg on avg with the PT.

The PT went from 60-80 in a heartbeat, but when the MC gets to 80 it seems to come to life and I feel it start to breath and demand alot more, haven't taken it beyond 85...yet -- No I don't always drive at those speeds, just to see what the car can do and have been extremely impressed. My '09 is the first MC I've ever driven, have never experienced the prev gen and can't comment on which is a better drivers car. Various articles I've read give differing opinions -- in the end it's a matter of individual drivers preference...two people can drive the same car and have different experiences. All I can say is I loved my PT alot, but I don't miss it.

 

PT Cruiser (rental, base model) was one of the worst cars I've ever driven.

+ It looks like a London Taxi Clone.

 

I remember about 40 years ago when the "new Porsche" was introduced,the 911,basically same discussion,(the 356 owners i knew) didn't feel it was worthy of the Porsche badge.So here we go again,same church, different pew.Why can't we all just get along?Q

 

This is the say trype of topic that lots of gamers argue over. Whats better the xbox 360 or the PS3. Fanboys is all it is. Some are die hard fans of the R53 because its more intune with the road(I couldn't thing of any other way to put that), and some liek the R56's(and 55/57) because they are more refined. In the end they are both great cars. I have driven both and they both have there highs and lows.

And as for the PT comparison come on the is a piece of garbage car.

Fanboys is all it is