Ive owned 4 R53 Cooper S,s and am currently on my first R56 , the only problems i had with previous cars was clutch issues. It could be down to the checkmate you drove, doesn't seem to be right from what you say.
Any way id drive another one and just go with what you feel, i went for the R56 for low down torque and pull , plus feels much quicker than it is, both cars are good , you ll enjoy whichever you go for
