Hi,

I am getting a Cooper S this year - that much is decided.

Subjectively I lean a little towards the old model, perhaps objectively a little towards the newer model - but I would like to hear your thoughts on the quality differences between the two cars.

I know the newer model if more fuel efficient.

How about servicing costs between the two models.

So please help me in learning more about the running costs of the two cars.

Thank you so much.

Unfortunately, the old Vs new debate usually causes a lot of aggravation between owners of the two generations, especially as so much of it is subjective.

However, it's fair to say that:

The older model has:

1. The rawer, more responsive drive.
2. Worse fuel consumption and higher CO2 output (which is important for taxation in the UK).
3. Nicer noises.
4. More tuning options.
5. A larger glass area, which makes the car much lighter inside and gives better visibility, especially when reversing.
6. A more robust engine.
7. Better, twin optic, halogen headlamps.
8. A radio that's a universal fit that is simple to replace and upgrade as necessary.
9. An engine temperature gauge and a proper analogue fuel gauge.
10. Proper, full size, door bins (it's a traditional MINI thing!).
11. A unique clamshell bonnet.

The newer model has:

1. A duller drive, but is undeniably smoother and quieter, with a smoother ride.
2. Better fuel consumption and much lower CO2 output.
3. Service intervals up from 15,000 to, a highly optimistic, 20,000 miles.
4. A higher Euroncap safety rating (up from 4 to 5 stars).
5. A steering column that adjusts for reach, as well as rake.
6. Marginally more space inside and in the boot, but when I say marginal, I mean marginal!
7. Where Bi-Xenon headlamps have been specified, they are better than the original Xenons.
8. Notorious problems with very noisy engines (search for "diesel death rattle" on this Forum). Here's a good place to start: http://www.mini2.com/forum/second-generation-faults-fixes/136105-mini-cooper-s-engine-noise-when-cold.html
9. Better brakes.


The later MINI had to have its original shape adapted to allow for a much bulkier engine, whilst it had to incorporate extra crash / pedestrian impact protection, yet had to be cheaper and simpler to build. Whilst this is getting a bit subjective now, none of these things helped to improve the basic appearance of the car.

Thank you very much - that was a thorough answer.

Given two cars costs the same for the condition and age, which would you go for? Anyone?

Thank you very much - that was a thorough answer.

Given two cars costs the same for the condition and age, which would you go for? Anyone?

Personally, I would only consider the later version if it were considerably cheaper. When I bought my last Cooper S I had the choice of a new example of the older and newer MINI at the same price and for me it was a very easy choice; I took the older one.

Try to test drive one of each then see what you think.

Both are fantastic cars, but I would lean towards a newer model. I love the supercharger whine from the old models, but I think the newer models look better.

Depends what you are going to use it for and what kind of experience you want.

In my opinion the first generation Cooper S was a bit of a scallywag, tramlining all over the place, whining supercharger and had a real personality. The second generation is clearly more grown up - quieter, more refined and just more civilised, cheaper to run (mpg/tax etc)

Having gone through loads of scallywag cars in my past, there would be no choice for me - it would be the second generation, but that's just me.

The second generation is clearly more grown up - quieter, more refined and just more civilised, cheaper to run (mpg/tax etc)

But, by that arguement,that would make the clearly "more grown up" Toyota Avensis the better car! ;) LOL

Hey,

I thought I'd post my two cents. I had a 2004 S which I loved, but was totaled when someone hit me head on on the expressway. Saved my life. Anyway, I just drove home yesterday with a 2011 which is virtually identical to my old one in packages.

Granted, it's only been a day, but it's like someone went into my old mini and moved everything around, and then redesigned it slightly to make it less fun. It's less like driving a sports car and more like driving a family sedan. It's slightly longer, but feels it, and feels heavier. It's handling is different. The gear shift knob is worse. The buttons used to be these cool retro switches. Whose idea was it to change those? The moon roof is smaller. The front windshield is bigger.

The new stereo is way too complicated, and does nothing the old one didn't do. One of the things that really gets me is the speedometer, which has been redesigned to look stupid, and then made redundant by putting another one behind the wheel.

Overall, it looks slightly different, but not quite as nice looking. Not sure why.

Another few pence....

I think they got it right the first time - more of an enthusiasts car. They are completely different as every panel is different - the later models having smaller glass to keep the roofline low and fit all the crash test / crumple zones in. Seeing them side by side is the best way to compare the two in looks.

What's really odd in the new Cooper S is the bonnet scoop has no function apart from looks (there isn't even a hole in it!) - purely cosmetic to try and keep it visually different to the non-turbocharged cooper.

BRGJCW my mail slot actually cools the turbo! (Secret flap directs the air onto the turbo :) ) But yeah kinda superfluous really.

Disappointed that although there's flow-through intercoolers for the supercharged cars no one completed it with an exit out through the bonnet. I would have thought there was huge potential for airflow there.

Hey dsakko, yeah I think there is benefit in cooling the turbo using the bonnet scoop - did you do this mod?

Often wondered if the air escapes in the supercharged coopers through the vents below the windscreen? These were deleted in the new coopers and as the foam has disintegrated completely away thought it may come up through them?

I have no idea :) It was a mod done by BMW Motorsport and I haven't had the turbo hot enough for it to make a difference yet. First hill climb coming up mid July should do it.

I had an R50 Cooper, and the vents at the base of the windscreen had a firewall blocking air from the engine bay. I'm assuming the R53 was the same and the air just kinda dissipated through the engine bay and out underneath the car.

Hey,

I thought I'd post my two cents. I had a 2004 S which I loved, but was totaled when someone hit me head on on the expressway. Saved my life. Anyway, I just drove home yesterday with a 2011 which is virtually identical to my old one in packages.

Granted, it's only been a day, but it's like someone went into my old mini and moved everything around, and then redesigned it slightly to make it less fun. It's less like driving a sports car and more like driving a family sedan. It's slightly longer, but feels it, and feels heavier. It's handling is different. The gear shift knob is worse. The buttons used to be these cool retro switches. Whose idea was it to change those? The moon roof is smaller. The front windshield is bigger.

The new stereo is way too complicated, and does nothing the old one didn't do. One of the things that really gets me is the speedometer, which has been redesigned to look stupid, and then made redundant by putting another one behind the wheel.

Overall, it looks slightly different, but not quite as nice looking. Not sure why.

Very interesting and honest review!