Oh - bugger!!
Having driven my partner's R56 MCS, it does feel, in an unscientific way, as fast as my R53 JCW210. I suspect that this is a feature of torque and the excellent power delivery of the new engine.
Would also have to agree that it is a much more refined, "grown-up" car, but somehow not as exciting and involving as the "old" one.
As to the "burble", I love the pops and crackles of my 210, but it does sound tinny. I hope an Alta 2.5" would sort that.......(?) The R56 sounds a lot better, more powerful and it crackles, as well.
Looking forward to trying the R56 JCW stage 1!
PS one contributor did say "if your R53 is not running properly" - having spent an eye-watering £3,600 to get 40 bhp, I would want £90 back for each one missing!!!