Both are r56

 

3rd gen MINI is the 2014+ F56 and is not an R56. Are you maybe saying when they made the engine change from the N14 R56 (2007-2010) to the N18 R56 (2011-2013)? Sport suspension or just regular? You can always use Real OEM to compare different year parts to each other to confirm. HERE is an N14 R56 front suspension with part numbers and HERE is an N18 R56 front suspension with part numbers.

 

Nope , different set up, the rears on the F56 have a strut and spring that are separate.

Here are some R56 suspension options :

https://www.ecstuning.com/News/MINI_...ions_01202016/