I'd just like to record an observation coming from a new forum member-

It seems that there are a lot of people on this forum that are extremely sensitive about the topic of comparing the R53 to the new R56. Anytime someone may mention that the new one may look or perform better, there are more than enough people eager to jump down their throats.

LOOK- People are entitled to their opinions. R53 owners need to stop being so sensitive about the new R56. Stop feeling threatened by the new technology and design. If you people are really so certain that the R53 is a superior car, then why can't you act more confident in your opinion? There's no doubt that the R53 is a phenominal and lovable vehicle. No one ever said anything different! But you need to understand that there are people who like the newer one better for a lot of different reasons. Deal with it.

P.S. 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.

 

I'm so sensitive about my R53,I have now ordered an R56 and will keep them both.So as I alternate the driving I can complain to myself.Q

 

I own an R53 and don't at all feel "threatened by the new technology and design"

I'm not certain either is superior at all ...I just like the R53 better.

I agree ...and the same can be said of the R56, of course.

I understand.

Done.

 

I guess you didn't see the bit in the pics thread-newer members aren't entitled to their opinions, particularly if they favor the R56.
When I first joined this site, I expected to see a group of motorers that didn't discriminate between generations. I guess that was a little naive, but I think it's just a vocal minority. It's funny that some of these members haven't seen an R56 in the flesh, much less actually driven one. On the other side of the coin, in my short time here, I've seen several R53 owners that appreciate the R56 as well. Reelsmith is a good example and certainly has experience with both generations.
Personally, there's some things I like better about the R53 than the R56, but the R56 was the car for me. The key is to enjoy your car and not be negatively affected by the opinions of others.

 

It's only a number.

 

Here, I fixed it for you:

I'd just like to record an observation coming from a new forum member-

It seems that there are a lot of people on this forum that are extremely sensitive about the topic of comparing the R56 to the previous generation R53. Anytime someone may mention that the previous generation car may look or perform better, or have more character, there are more than enough people eager to jump down their throats.

LOOK- People are entitled to their opinions. R56 owners need to stop being so sensitive about the R53. Stop feeling threatened by the previous generations super charger technology and functional design points. If you people are really so certain that the R56 is a superior car, then why can't you act more confident in your opinion? There's no doubt that the R56 is a phenominal and lovable vehicle. No one ever said anything different! But you need to understand that there are people who like the previous generation car better for a lot of different reasons. Deal with it.

P.S. 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.

 

Hahaha Totally! LOL

 

Thank you slag... that's exactly the point I was about to make when I was reading the thread.

kendrick... I have seen just as many R56 owners get ultra-defensive about the topic as I have R53 owners. The door swings both ways... however your post was very specifically written to suggest that it's just R53 owners who are "threatened by technology and design".

That's ridiculous. The passionate feelings expressed by some R53 owners have nothing to do with being threatened. We have our MINIs already, what is there to be threatened about?

EVERYBODY, both R53 AND R56 owners, need to come to accept that there are differences, both Pros and Cons, between the two designs. Which differences are most important to you personally will dictate which model you prefer. And just because you consider one model the better car for you does not mean that it is the better car for everyone. Again, this goes both ways! Also, a Pro to you might mean a Con to someone else, and vice-versa.

Using terms like "deal with it" and suggesting you are not trying to start a war is ridiculous. Try not to be so judgemental next time in your "non-war" post please.

 

Would that we all could afford such a hobby. Hours of entertainment, you should do your own "Point/Counterpoint" Show.
Happy Motorings!

 

Don't know. What's why I find this topic so fascinating. I just think people need to be more confident in their opinions and not get offended everytime someone suggests that the car of their fancy isn't the best out there. That's all. I'm new to this forum and got my stomach kicked in for suggesting that the R56 looks better.

 

Spot-on. A well-adjusted person doesn't need the agreement/approval of others in order to validate his own choices, and realizes that just because someone else makes a different choice, that fact does not invalidate his own choice.

Just because I bought a blue car, that doesn't mean that I think red/green/black/etcetera cars "suck", and it doesn't automatically put me at odds with anyone that owns one.

Frankly, outright vehemence is misplaced when it comes to the R53/R56 debate, because unless you own an R56 or plan to buy one, its mere existence has little or no impact on you. Unless you're being forced to drive one as a company car or something like that, it's really a non-issue for you.

 

Never driven anything but our R56. But if previous models give goose bumps and make your heart race like our car, then IT'S ALL GOOD!

Today was the first day with the 'SPORT BUTTON'; we couldn't wait another 300 miles!! Heck with break-in, let's GO! Talk about schweet!! That lil' button sure stiffens up the works...NOW that's a go-kart!!

Dig this, we pull out this morning headed for Starbucks...first oncoming car is a brand new BRG w/ white bonnet stripes! We both wave like miniacs!! It was great! Wonder who it is...another new MINI on the Oregon Coast! Still had temp registration tacked up in the back window...looked like Rasmussen Mini logo on the plates...

And double dig this, Annette drops into a cross-stitch shop yesterday and whips out her MYMINI VISA card with a Cooper S emblazoned on it; both clerks in the shop spotted the card and blurted out 'we have MINI's, too!!!

To paraphrase one of my all-time favorite comics Steven Wright, "It's a MINI world, but I'd sure hate to paint it" !!

Cheers...time to go cruisin'...suns out, all blue skies along the central Oregon coast today...

 

Oops, I didn't realize that was you that took the heat in the pics thread when I made my first post.

I just dream of the day when all Miniacs can get along. Thanks to Edge for pointing out that it's not all one-sided either.

 

Lets be honest here, if you could, you would own both.
Anyone wanna start a NAM lottery pool? R53s and R56s for everyone.

 

^
Best siggy ever. I'd happily add a GP or JCW to my garage.

 

Why is this even a debate when the r53 is objectively better in every respect?

Turn on your sarcasm detectors, people!

In truth, though, I do feel threatened by the r56. I'm scared that people are going to think my car is the same as that one! Ugh, I just threw up a little in my mouth! (hope you didn't turn 'em off)

mb

 

now now, mbcoops...

 

haha sorry, the opportunity was tooooooo right. If we all can't laugh at that, then we're taking ourselves too seriously!

mb

 

Hahaha spot on spot on. I'm glad at least some people have a sense of humor about it.

 

I fell in love with the R53 when it came out, the engine sound,handling,looks, it was the coolest car on the road but I coudn't justify buying one . I drive a truck for work and my wife has a Honda Accord,3rd. car was out of the question .Skip ahead 2007 gas at $3.55 per. gal., hate driving a truck full of paint & equipment after work,got a little extra money in the bank ( not any more )buying the Mini that gets 35 MPG just seemed smart .It's 2007 this is the car that's for sale now ,I didn't know there was a controversy until a week after buying and found this forum .As much as I like C-4's and others passion I didn't like hearing my car was crap.I love there car,I love my car, it's 2007 this is the car you buy if you want a new Mini Cooper.

 

This is so ridiculous. Who cares? They are all minis, that is the cool part right? Are you guys jealous because R56 is the new ride? Please relax and be more confident. I love my R53 and probably will be my last mini for a long time. My ride is beautiful and fun and don't need to worry about new models. You guys are just been ticked to buy another car and consuming that’s all.
Lets all enjoy our rides and just hope that a cleaner but as powerful option looms in the near future.

 

ROTFL, you are sooo right on, thanks.

 

We have one of each and we aren't rich. They are very different though. It will be interesting to see which one we use more. His '05 Cooper (not S) was purchased for weekends/dates/special occasions the summer of '04 and just went over 10K miles. He intends to have it forever. My Cooper (not S) will be a daily driver, no make that IS a daily driver. I'm even going to smoke in it!

They look great together and only once (so far) has he said, "Mine doesn't do that!" with disappointment in his voice.

 

Being a newbie does have its advantages.

 

Is it true that a dog's mouth is cleaner than a human's?