the BIG new MINI v's old MINI comparison thread - AKA R56 is ugly, my R56 review.....

[Tommo]

It used to really bother me at first, and at one point I considered not bothering coming on the site any more so bad was the R56 bashing. I just think it's really funny now, some people take any opportunity they can get to make snide comments or have a go under the auspicious safety of "It's just my opinion."
I mean if you just keep going on about it, how bad of an insecurity have you got ? Either that or you just want one soooo bad it hurts !!!
As an owner of every generation of mini made I can say the R56 is as good as any of them and for me they have all been different but brilliant. For the people who think the R50/53 is closer to the original than the R56 nip over to a classic mini board and let them know, and see how far you get ! It's as close to a classic mini as a space shuttle is to a Cessna.
And before anyone posts a response or moderates my post I'm not having a go at anyone on the site or any model of mini just voicing my "opinion"

[n5290066]

Well stated

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINIAC (original)

My 2 cents on this topic ...

Possibly the least constructive or articulate post on this thread and from a mod too

I'm enjoying reading both sides of the discussion here (even the posts I don't agree with), perhaps people who don't can go and visit an alternative thread...

[Greenie1]

I have an 06 Mini Cooper, I bought it knowing that a new shape was coming out. I love the classic, the Mini I currently own and the latest design they have out.

Whats the problem?

[Scrogg]

Quote: Originally Posted by Tigger, Eeyore & Roo (original)

Possibly the least constructive or articulate post on this thread and from a mod too

Is there an award to go with that?

[femstar]

Hasn't this been thrashed out already, the R56 is here to stay (for now) and comparison isn't going to change it, unless I'm mistaken and some BMW design guru is reading this over a glass of red wine.

I love my R53 and am not too fussed about the shape or cost saving interior (sorry) of the R56 although I think it looks great in a Clubman guise, but as already posted you cannot argue with the economy and ride characteristics of the R56, cheaper to insure (In Clubman form anyway), cheaper to tax, etc and feels a bit quicker lower down IMHO.

Just don't look at it from the rear - look like its got it skirt tucked into its knickers! Sorry again

[femstar]

And with £300 quid Road Fund in 2009, I don't doubt my next MINI will be turbo, would only buy another R53 (GP) (is that the model code??) to play with before 2009 increased tax was due.
But then that has nothing to do with the car itself.

[Joker]

Quote: Originally Posted by Tunster (original)

Let's pose a question.... are people here that own the R53 and prefer it over the R56... is it because it emulates the classic mini in a modern outfit? Is this the major reason why?

If not, what are the reasons? What have BMW missed in the R56?

IMO, the R56 still looks like a MINI, it has a real go-kart feel when I push it to its limits and contains now a bit of sensiblity the classic didnt have.

like it cuz it 'emulates teh classic" yes, i would have to say that. it is suppose to be a revamp from teh past right!?! teh later does nothin to conserve teh look/lines, shape if will. they jus look like fat bubble cars, like everything else thats new on teh road!

really i dont kno where to start w/this car.....i guess im a bit picky and detail oriented. (which r56 has lost)
i was lookin at one last nite and it jus makes me sad to see all teh charm blown to pieces.
bumpers are too big, ruins teh shape of teh front as well as teh back. i really hate teh fact that teh bonnet lost its headlamps. teh shape of teh bonnet is a mess compared to teh earlier.
big fat plastic arches really intrude on teh elegance/smoothness of teh car, and im one of those people that love teh textured arches on my r53. i dunno mayb i should stop here....i could go on for hours. oh and i almost forgot a key point..for me.. i feel like r56 really needs all trim to be painter(colour matched) to really(kinda sorta) look good and not clumsy. where as teh r53 looks killer either way!!

[mella yella fella]

[Mejy Poo]

Quote: Originally Posted by Joker (original)

like it cuz it 'emulates teh classic" yes, i would have to say that. it is suppose to be a revamp from teh past right!?! teh later does nothin to conserve teh look/lines, shape if will. they jus look like fat bubble cars, like everything else thats new on teh road!

really i dont kno where to start w/this car.....i guess im a bit picky and detail oriented. (which r56 has lost)
i was lookin at one last nite and it jus makes me sad to see all teh charm blown to pieces.
bumpers are too big, ruins teh shape of teh front as well as teh back. i really hate teh fact that teh bonnet lost its headlamps. teh shape of teh bonnet is a mess compared to teh earlier.
big fat plastic arches really intrude on teh elegance/smoothness of teh car, and im one of those people that love teh textured arches on my r53. i dunno mayb i should stop here....i could go on for hours. oh and i almost forgot a key point..for me.. i feel like r56 really needs all trim to be painter(colour matched) to really(kinda sorta) look good and not clumsy. where as teh r53 looks killer either way!!

Yo Mr. Westside. It's THE.

(sorry)

[mister.t]

Quote: Originally Posted by mella yella fella (original)

+1

I personally still really like teh R56

[adam_Randell]

Quote: Originally Posted by feybrand (original)

Am I the only one that thinks the new mini lacks the quality look of the older shape new mini.

I've seen some pics and I'm not impressed i'll be sticking with my 06 plate version thank you very much

the R56 is a lot more better looking than the previous ones. i personally dont like the chrome on the bumpers, the small rear lights, and the two holes for the sidelights and fog lights.

Quote: Originally Posted by Miss Marmite (original)

I've noticed this kind of comment a lot from 06 owners, I can't help but think that for some of you it is because you bought an old model just before a new one is coming out.

i think you may be right

[Ferroequine]

Quote: Originally Posted by adam_Randell (original)

the R56 is a lot more better looking than the previous ones. i personally dont like the chrome on the bumpers, the small rear lights, and the two holes for the sidelights and fog lights.

Quote: Originally Posted by Miss Marmite (original)

I've noticed this kind of comment a lot from 06 owners, I can't help but think that for some of you it is because you bought an old model just before a new one is coming out.

i think you may be right

I think we will have to agree to disagree then.

I think the chrome on the front, and the separate holes for sidelights / foglights is what really throws it back to old Mini.

Everytime I look at an R56, and try to look at its new features and gadgets, it makes me feel happy to still own my 06 R53. Just not a fan of the new styling, I'm afraid.

[Mini-Trainer]

Quote: Originally Posted by Joker (original)

like it cuz it 'emulates teh classic" yes, i would have to say that. it is suppose to be a revamp from teh past right!?! teh later does nothin to conserve teh look/lines, shape if will. they jus look like fat bubble cars, like everything else thats new on teh road!

really i dont kno where to start w/this car.....i guess im a bit picky and detail oriented. (which r56 has lost)
i was lookin at one last nite and it jus makes me sad to see all teh charm blown to pieces.
bumpers are too big, ruins teh shape of teh front as well as teh back. i really hate teh fact that teh bonnet lost its headlamps. teh shape of teh bonnet is a mess compared to teh earlier.
big fat plastic arches really intrude on teh elegance/smoothness of teh car, and im one of those people that love teh textured arches on my r53. i dunno mayb i should stop here....i could go on for hours. oh and i almost forgot a key point..for me.. i feel like r56 really needs all trim to be painter(colour matched) to really(kinda sorta) look good and not clumsy. where as teh r53 looks killer either way!!

Hmm reminds me of this......

YouTube - Airplane! - "Oh stewardess, I...

Rams

[Greenie1]

Airplane = classic!