Depends on when each last brushed his teeth . . .

 

I think that the new R56 is nice

 

ticked? It could be we actually wanted one.

 

I'm interested in seeing some of those objective comparitors. Can you show some? Like hp, torque, mpg, etc.?

 

reeelaaaaax, he was kidding.


It looks like there's a bit of a sarchasm between the two camps.

 

Here here!

By the way, I would like to know- ATTENTION R53 OWNERS!!!

For those of you who prefer the R53 over the R56, what are your reasons? Performance wise it's hard to argue that it tops the R56...

 

If I had my druthers I'd have one of each (both S). Which one I would drive on a given day would depend on my mood. Do I want rough and tumble funky today, or do I want a more refined ride? Do I want torque that's flat through the RPMs today or do I want the thrill of ever increasing torque as the revs climb. It's like having kids; you love them equally but they are very different is so very many ways.

As the R56 emerged on the scene there was a lot of noise coming out of the R53 camp. Their concerns were valid. The R53 ride had a lot of rough and tumble funky in it. Many, if not most, saw this funky bull dog/go-kart like personality as definining what a MINI is all about. I think some went into mild shock (maybe not so mild) when they discovered the, "refinement" that had been injected into the R56. You can imagine their initial dissappointment. The shock element has passed though and the complaints have all but dissappeared from this forum.

I've got to chuckle a bit at the initial post on this thread though where kendrick 87 said, "I'm swear I'm not trying to start a war here! It's just such an emotionally driven topic. I swear no car brings out the emotional side of people more than a MINI." No kendrick87, it looks to me like you've been getting a little bored with the recent forum civility and decided to kick up a little dirt and have some fun.

 

hands down the R50/R53 is the better looking car, its detailing is superb.

 

I'm going to go ahead and assume you were trying to trump my sarcasm with your own.

If you weren't, then I know why they invented this face: and this one :impatient and maybe even this one , not to be outdone by this one .

I really hope you're kidding

mb

 

 

I do believe if this debate were face to face,instead of this forum,the reactions would be different.I found this to be true at AMVIV,because body language,and facial expressions convey a different response.Although some people can express themselves better than others responding here,nothing like looking someone in the eye.Just my 2 cents as i type this with 2 fingures which frustrates me no end.Q

 

So, what's your point, atcql? Trying to start something? JK. I still type with 2 fingers, too. And I have to look.

 

Agreed...and back at ya' (from an R53 owner)

 

I think I'm the offending poster you are referring to. I'll assume from doing a search of your posts that you are referencing my taking issue with your contention here that:
My reply:I think it's a little melodramatic to say that you "got your stomach kicked in". I'm not sure why you would have been surprised at someone taking issue with that opinion. My point was merely that you were giving a pretty inflammatory opinion in a forum that was apparently new to you. An opinion that was sure to be offensive to many of those who would be reading it. And having just checked the rest of the replies, I didn't see any others that took you to task besides me.

As has already been said here, can't we just agree that they are both fine cars that don't appeal to everybody in the same ways. Trading mine is better insults is just not in the spirit of this forum/community and is pointless (IMO).

BTW, I recently returned from a MINI factory tour and have driven the R56. It's a fine car with several improvements I wish my 06 had. I appreciate both. I personally prefer my 06/1st Gen new MINI, mostly due to the styling differences, but I'm glad that people are still buying them and keeping MINI in business making fun cars.

 

you got a 6 speed when you actually wanted an Auto I believe?!

 

HUH?
I'm confused. I wanted 6-speed.

 

Great Post, MINI Fireman.

 

A very fair question, that deserves an answer.

I had the choice between between a new R53 and a new R56 in February this year. I could have bought either and chose the R53; these are the reasons why I preferred it:

1. The true clamshell bonnet and the supercharger are unique and interesting parts of the R53 that have been lost. I also liked the lack of panel gaps at the edge of the bonnet and around the headlamps.
2. The curved rear glass.
3. The more raw and involving drive (or a less sophisticated drive, depending on your view point!).
4. I found the seats more comfortable (very personal, I know).
5. I can easily make changes to the ICE and other electrical systems in the R53.
6. The service intervals on the R53 are more realistic.
7. I much prefer the styling of the R53, both inside and out.
8. I prefer its larger glass area and lower waste line which makes the interior much brighter. Overall I find the interior much less claustrophobic. The rear window is significantly larger (lower wasterline and the rear high level brake light doesn't rob window space).
9. I prefer the heater and radio controls.
10. I prefer the fact that my left foot is not obstructed by a foot rest and that the pedals are more dead ahead. The pedal layout is much easier to use when wearing hiking boots!
11. The door pockets are very much larger, as are the pockets in the rear and the glovebox.
12. The superior quality of a lot of componets, such as the headlining and interior light and, on the S, the filler cap.
13. The cheaper option prices.
14. The provision of side storage compartments in the boot (used for first aid and tool kits).
15. I prefer the "traditional" key.
16. If I'm going to have a vent in the bonnet I'd prefer not to have to explain to people that it's only there for show.
17. I need to buy even more extras on the new car to remove all of the switch blanks!
18. The loss of the characterful power steering whine!
19. I prefer separate lamps for main and dipped beam.

This is just a list of reasons why I chose an R53 over an R56 in answer to the original question; it is not meant to criticise anyone else's choice. I agree, there are some areas where the R56 is improved, especially fuel consumption, improved accident protection and lower emissions but, for me, I much preferred the older car.

Tigger.

 

Wow I thought this thread was dead. Good answers everyone.

By the way, rather than start a new thread, one more question-

Do standard after-market replacement shift ***** fit the mini? The one that comes standard is a bit awkward in my hand.

 

The fitment is different to from the R50/53.

I know that Doug Whalen will be able to supply replacement items very soon, if they are not available already.

http://www.whalenshiftmachine.com/

Tigger.

 

For automatic transmissions- no

For 5 or 6 speed ***** in R50/R53 yes, different ***** can fit, some require more adjustment than others.

As for R53 vs R56.

Reliability-
I'd expect R53 MINIs to be pretty good for lowest problems and good reliability. R56 are brand new and the true reliability is yet to be determined.

Audio and video upgrades-
R53 like R50 lends itself to tons of upgrades to the audio system in every way. R56 makes me wonder. Hi-Fi option not getting good feedback- see
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=92006

Interior-
R50 and R53 can easily be modded by removing dash pieces and custom painting or refinishing. R56- some options are already available from the factory but they aren't going to be one of a kind.
The brown and lapis blue full leather seats were very very nice compared to some of the current options (and those new prices!).
R53 dash and interior are classics in clarity, proportions, and in clean lines.

Mods-
R50 and R53 have tons of great mods ready to go. R56 is limited but pretty good as is.

Resale price-
R50 and R53 can be got at good prices new or used if you know where to shop.

GP
Only comes as R53.

I've driven the R56 and I think it's a great MINI. I'm not giving up my R53 anytime soon. I'm more likely to keep the R53 and add an R56. Shhhh, don't tell my wife!

 

Originally Posted by LynnEl
I'm interested in seeing some of those objective comparitors. Can you show some? Like hp, torque, mpg, etc.?

If performance is the factor to being the best car, we all lose. Mustangs are much faster than MINI's.

 

That depends entirely on your point of reference. I own a Mustang... and I love it just as I do my MINI. Straight line? Yep, Mustang. Curves? Even with the vast amount of suspension modifications my Mustang has... the MINI runs circles around it!

"Faster" depends on where and what. Drag strip? Long, sweeping racetrack? Short, tight racetrack? BIG difference!

 

The dust that was kicked up might be settling on this thread re: the R53 v the R56, but the question of which is better will always remain out there, kind of like politics- you voted how and why, and on some level, everyone's reasons are completely valid. I own an '06 JCW because I didn't want to wait 2 more years for a serious horsepower boost. I do like the look of the center controls and the body fit of the various bits of the R53 better, but it might be nice sometimes to have a button to push to smooth out the ride, and how cool is it to be able to change interior mood light color?! Performance-wise, head to head, sounds like a stock R53 S doesn't hold a candle to a stock R56 S in the torque department. When the new R56 JCW comes out w/ a 1.8 engine making 230 horsepower, I might have to figure some way to go that direction. In the meantime, MINI sales sure aren't going to slide based on the changes made to the new model. Still a MINI, still the coolest little car on the market, and still the most bang-for-the-buck fun on four wheels.

 

I've yet to drive EITHER car. It makes me sad :(. Went to my local dealership and they always have 3 times as many customers as sales staff. Very understaffed. In fact, I've yet to talk to a sales person at all.

So, I did what anyone else would do. I ran around like a kid in a candy store and sat in every car I could find unlocked. And from that alone, I realized that the R56 is the car for me. It fits me like a glove, and allows me to adjust the seating and steering to the PERFECT position. Sweet. I do wish it had the headlights that were built in to the bonnet. And I'm actually glad the scoop isn't functional. Why? Heat rises. My RX-7 came from the factory with an intercooler under the hood scoop, and it is jokingly referred to as an inter-heater. The front-mount setup on the new MCS is already more efficient at cooling than a top mounted setup would be, but also makes it easier to go with a larger cooler if you go for larger boost.

I also noticed a weee bit more headroom/overall interior space in the R56. And that little bit went a long way for me.

Anyway, I know there is already eleventy billion threads on this topic, so I thought I'd respond to the one at the top. Yay.