[californiamini]

Hi,

I am trying to decide whether to get a new 2006 R53 or 2007 R56. I can't decide between them because I have not driven the R56 (not available in the States)

Please help. I am looking for input from someone who have driven both car extensively.

Thanks.

[phil_c]

I had the old s and now have the new one. I would never go back to the old one. The only thing i miss is the whine from the supercharger

[ru81]

Keep up with the times - go for the R56!! I have an R53 but plan on changing to the R56.

[alski]

have driven both, but my r53 has 200+ hp so not a true comparison, suspension much better on new car, as are the runflats, and take off is good so no lag, but no lsd available quite yet on new car?
what state are you roads in?
so if you need to buy now go r53 and mod for more power
or wait a few months for r56 and enjoy the comfort, but confirm lsd first before placing order

[thrud]

It has been said that the R56 performance is akin to the old version Works Cooper S. The brakes are also supposed to be the same as the old Works kit.

So really it's comparable to you purchasing an R53 Works S.

Paul

[kevkbuk]

I've only driven the R53 in a few test drives but I chose the R56. At then of the day it depends on what you want to use it for I think. The R56 is more comfortable, more refined, and much more of a cruiser than the old car. That's not to say it doesn't handle the twisties, it does.

I found the R53 S a bit gutless in normal driving, and really noticed it at motorway speeds. I found it best round the twisties and it probably just has the edge on the R56 model, but it's a lot more harsh and uncormfortable. Plus the fuel consumption is pretty bad.

From my experience the R56 is more comparable to the old Works model. Plus the torque of the R56 makes the car feel faster too.

I do a 60 mile daily commute, so chose the R56 primarily for the fuel consumption, cruising ability and comfort. If it had been for a weekend drive I may have plumped for the Works R53, but I think the S would have left me wanting more.

[Olly.]

Quote: Originally Posted by alski (original)

have driven both, but my r53 has 200+ hp so not a true comparison, suspension much better on new car, as are the runflats, and take off is good so no lag, but no lsd available quite yet on new car?
what state are you roads in?
so if you need to buy now go r53 and mod for more power
or wait a few months for r56 and enjoy the comfort, but confirm lsd first before placing order

LSD is already available in the states. From some reason they got it before us

[Restyle]

Quote: Originally Posted by thrud (original)

It has been said that the R56 performance is akin to the old version Works Cooper S. ... So really it's comparable to you purchasing an R53 Works S.

I dont know who`s attributed to saying that, as even the most ardent R56 people would be hard pushed to believe that.
Not that theres anything really wrong with the new engine, but you wont find any real performance increase with it over the supercharged MCS. {Its Only on paper its better}
Although Turbo lag is minimised it is still quite evident under harsh acceleration, but if you want a comfortable motorway cruiser rather than something to have fun with on country lanes then you`ll like it due to its new springier suspension.
There`s been a few quality control problems with the R56 since it was launched - check out the Faults & Fixs forum, but I would expect these to be mostly sorted within a few months.

[Olly.]

Quote: Originally Posted by Restyle (original)

I dont know who`s attributed to saying that, as even the most ardent R56 people would be hard pushed to believe that.
Not that theres anything really wrong with the new engine, but you wont find any real performance increase with it over the supercharged MCS. {Its Only on paper its better}
Although Turbo lag is minimised it is still quite evident under harsh acceleration, but if you want a comfortable motorway cruiser rather than something to have fun with on country lanes then you`ll like it due to its new springier suspension.
There`s been a few quality control problems with the R56 since it was launched - check out the Faults & Fixs forum, but I would expect these to be mostly sorted within a few months.

To be fair a few people have said that, there was a run recently where the JCW owner said the R56 was keeping up with the JCW all the way round.

I can't comment on it myself though as I have never driven a JCW S, only going on what I have read on MINI2

[Olly.]

Found what comments I was reffering to - http://www.mini2.com/forum/2nd-gen-m...ml#post2855683

[Restyle]

Quote: Originally Posted by Olly. (original)

....there was a run recently where the JCW owner said the R56 was keeping up with the JCW all the way round.

Dont get me wrong, the R56 is a capable performer, but a MINI-run is hardly the place to compare performance between types. After all, a One D can easily keep up a Supercharged Cooper on a typical MINI-run even with "Spirited" Driving

I`m suprised that no motoring TV shows havnt put up an R56 against an R53 when driven by the same driver superimposed against each other on the same track - you know what I mean.
I`m guessing that they`d be almost identical on the straights, but with the R56 loosing out on the bends due to its softer suspension.
C`mon Clarkson ... get it sorted

[CC07ERS]

get the new 1 the old models will lose a lot of value very quikly now

[*Vikki*]

yea cmon on Clarkson! cant wait to the review on there!

[Olly.]

Quote: Originally Posted by Restyle (original)

Dont get me wrong, the R56 is a capable performer, but a MINI-run is hardly the place to compare performance between types. After all, a One D can easily keep up a Supercharged Cooper on a typical MINI-run even with "Spirited" Driving

I`m suprised that no motoring TV shows havnt put up an R56 against an R53 when driven by the same driver superimposed against each other on the same track - you know what I mean.
I`m guessing that they`d be almost identical on the straights, but with the R56 loosing out on the bends due to its softer suspension.
C`mon Clarkson ... get it sorted

Yeah your probably right I was just suggesting that it maybe isn't the walkover the power stats would suggest.

Would be really interested to see a comparision test, as you suggest hopefully the new series of top gear may do something. Or maybe Paul can arrange something

[chipcooper]

Don't forget the R53 had a lot of faults wen they first came out!!! And a lot still have!!!!

[James]

Quote: Originally Posted by cco7ers (original)

get the new 1 the old models will lose a lot of value very quikly now

a new one is going to lose value a lot faster than an old one