[IanW]

I currently have been running a 53 reg S for the last 3+ years and love it. I am debating trading in for a newer model (budget maybe £17k ish).

Had a squiz at the new S and prefer the interior (much improved) but I dont like the standard exterior as much (havent seen the aero kit version yet though) although its a close run thing.....

Anyway I am debating with my budget buying an '06 reg R53 which is high spec (JCW conversion with aero kit and JCW seats which look great, LSD). I am nervous as to whether this is the right decision over ordering a new R56S.

Maybe this isnt the right forum to post the question on (most of you will have an R56 or have ordered one) but has anyone owned / driven a JCW R53 versus a new R56 S and can make an objective comparison?

TBH I love the supercharger feel on the current S (the whine, top end rush, etc) and the go kart handling, etc and concerned that although the new S seems to be 'better' it also seems somehow less characterful and more polished to me.......

Main things I would like to improve on my current R53 are seats, exterior appearance and a little more oomph (hence the debate to change to the above JCW R53 which would address these issues)......

Thanks for any opinions......

[Paul]

Moved into generation discussion so you may get a more balanced response than posting in either the first or second generation forums individually.

[MaTTy_P]

Being a previous 04 ONE Owner I can see your worries (I didn't have the power, but I test drove both a JCW S and a standard S in 04/05).

I personally love both version's.

I'm currently waiting for my first S - R56 LB with aero kit, if you have not seen what it looks like in person, I can vouch that it looks stunning and vastly improves those 'ugly' lines of the R56 (I personally like the new style, chunkier more aggressive, but many don't).

One of the main reasons for the R56 choice over a 'nearly new' or 'last of the line' R53 is due to the forthcoming tuneability of the R56 - Including the much rumoured 250bhp JCW kit. I find it quite exciting (I'm sure you will too).

Also, don't let the sheer amount of 'fault' threads regarding the R56 put you off, If I remmember correctly the old model suffered many problems during early builds but more importantly more people tend to post discontent than those who are either happy/indifferent (this is a factor in pretty much everything - TV shows/films, such is the freedom of the internet and modern media).

Anyhow, good luck with the choice that you make - just think too, little self maintenance, extra TLC, New tyres & Brakes, 3 yr warranty etc etc

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by MaTTy_P (original)

I'm currently waiting for my first S - R56 LB with aero kit.

One of the main reasons for the R56 choice over a 'nearly new' or 'last of the line' R53 is due to the forthcoming tuneability of the R56 - Including the much rumoured 250bhp JCW kit. I find it quite exciting (I'm sure you will too).

I'm not sure where you're getting that horsepower figure, but unless you wait for the factory built JCW MCS, only a 192bhp / 250Nm (270Nm with overboost) kit (exhaust, intake and ECU software upgrade) will be available as dealer fit.

[MaTTy_P]

That figure is one that I have seen on these very forums, may be complete speculation

Hence it being a rumour

[Paul]

Rumour, but not as a retrofit.

[dneal]

Quote:

On the other hand the R53 is a very known quantity

Which is not necessarily a good thing, particularly when they spontaneously combust

[CooperS4us]

Sure, Dneal let's all run for cover...

[dneal]

Just adding a little balance.

[Simon Syddall]

I have a June 2006 MCS JCW210, Astro Black, aero kit, JCW R105 18s. It is my second JCW210. I ordered it, because I did not think that the GP was well enough equiped or finished, for the £s. I didn't like the look of the R56, from the early photos and wanted a very good, high spec, outgoing R53, to enjoy, love and keep

My partner has just taken delivery of an R56 MCS (which will eventually get its aero kit!). though it is not yet run in, I have to say that I am pleasantly surprised. It is a much more "grown up" car. Though the exterior has grown on me, I still prefer the R53. The interior of the R56 has much a much more BMW "quality" feel to it and it, without a doubt, is one of the major improvements.

The R56, limited just now to 4500rpm, does feel very quick low down (probably quicker than my R53) - it is by far and away the best turbo petrol car I have driven (compared to Saabs, early Escort and Sierra Cossies and Impreza) and the twin scroll turbo is excellent, I have to say.

However, it simply does not have the "fun" factor of the R53. Some on this site have called it "chuckability". It does not have the supercharger whine and the exhaust popping and crackling. It does not have the "excitement factor". That said, it is an excellent car (current irritating faults aside) and, come 2008 or whenever, I might even be tempted to abandon my cherished supercharger whine and tear-drop headlights, for 250 bhp!

Or, I am off on a Lotus Factory Tour, next week and an Exige S, in black, with black alloys is a huge temptation.................

Good luck in whatever you do. I do not think that you will be disappointed either way.

[wiggis]

Quote: Originally Posted by IanW (original)

I currently have been running a 53 reg S for the last 3+ years and love it. I am debating trading in for a newer model (budget maybe £17k ish).

Anyway I am debating with my budget buying an '06 reg R53 which is high spec (JCW conversion with aero kit and JCW seats which look great, LSD). I am nervous as to whether this is the right decision over ordering a new R56S.

Having owned an R56 Cooper and now a 56 plate R53 Cooper S JCW GP, I would recommend with very little hesitation the '06 R53 JCW. Much more entertaining drive, more tunable, solid little bugger of an engine, supercharger whine, and in my humble opinion more likely to retain specialist appeal (and therefore value) over the R56 S.

[Paul]

Cant see the links.

[msh441]

Quote: Originally Posted by wiggis (original)

Having owned an R56 Cooper and now a 56 plate R53 Cooper S JCW GP, I would recommend with very little hesitation the '06 R53 JCW. Much more entertaining drive, more tunable, solid little bugger of an engine, supercharger whine, and in my humble opinion more likely to retain specialist appeal (and therefore value) over the R56 S.

A 118 HP R56 Cooper vs. a JCW GP with 100 additional HP as well as Works brakes and suspension hardly seems fair. How could you NOT prefer the GP and find it more entertaining the drive!?!

As we see the deler retofit Works kits for the R56 come out you'll have somthing more to compare to an older JCW car. If the Stage II and Stage III Works cars see the light of day they will be more worthy of comparison to the GP. But a Cooper!?! Really?

[CooperS4us]

Yes, but the R56 Cooper engine has probably as much torque as the original R53 Cooper S engine from 2002-2004.

I still think it is disturbing to see that some R56 owners are trading in their cars for the Ïnferior" model they supposedly replace.

Like its been said... The R53 accurately conveys the feel and charm of the original classic Mini, while the R56 is a small BMW made in the shape of a MINI.

[MaTTy_P]

Quote: Originally Posted by CooperS4us (original)

Yes, but the R56 Cooper engine has probably as much torque as the original R53 Cooper S engine from 2002-2004.

I still think it is disturbing to see that some R56 owners are trading in their cars for the Ïnferior" model they supposedly replace.

Like its been said... The R53 accurately conveys the feel and charm of the original classic Mini, while the R56 is a small BMW made in the shape of a MINI.

I whole heartidly disagree, I think they have done quite a bang up job in keeping the charm given the new pedestrian safety dynamics...I'm not a car designer but I fail to see how they couldve done much to retain the lower front/continual line. As I've said before, I like both, I can see why some people dont like it, in the same respect that original mini owners dont like our cars. True some of the 'chuckability' has aparently gone - but its still a MINI...your average joe wouldnt be able to tell any difference (as mentioned in many car reviews also

Wish we could all just learn to enjoy MINI ownership, but sadly I see the same stigmatism & arguments from the mini vs MINI era.

Cant we all just get along?

[Hyper Active]

Quote: Originally Posted by CooperS4us (original)

Yes, but the R56 Cooper engine has probably as much torque as the original R53 Cooper S engine from 2002-2004.

Don't know where you got this piece of info from , but your very wrong . The 2002-04 cooper S had 155 lb/f of torque. The R56 copper has 118 lb/f of torque. Not even close to the old cooper S .

[CooperS4us]

I would have felt better if the NCAP pedestrian test results of the R56 would have been better than the 2 star rating they got.

The R56 is a very different car it looks like a MINI, it is marketed like a MINI but it is more akin to a BMW than a MINI in ride and refinement.

For the average Joe, the R56 sounds like a more plausible option. Finally a MINI that doesn't feel rough or jerky!

It cuts both ways.

[CooperS4us]

Quote: Originally Posted by Hyper Active (original)

Don't know where you got this piece of info from , but your very wrong . The 2002-04 cooper S had 155 lb/f of torque. The R56 copper has 118 lb/f of torque. Not even close to the old cooper S .

Ok I stand corrected fellas. Have pity on me!

[CooperS4us]

I still finfd it interesting that the original poster by passed the R56 S all together. So sheer refinement is not the all defining quality of the MINI?

[JG.26]

Quote: Originally Posted by MaTTy_P (original)

I whole heartidly disagree, I think they have done quite a bang up job in keeping the charm given the new pedestrian safety dynamics...I'm not a car designer but I fail to see how they couldve done much to retain the lower front/continual line. As I've said before, I like both, I can see why some people dont like it, in the same respect that original mini owners dont like our cars. True some of the 'chuckability' has aparently gone - but its still a MINI...your average joe wouldnt be able to tell any difference (as mentioned in many car reviews also

Wish we could all just learn to enjoy MINI ownership, but sadly I see the same stigmatism & arguments from the mini vs MINI era.

Cant we all just get along?

Entirely agree with you MaTTy, it couldn't have been easy trying to keep the MINI looking fresh and still keep it MINIesque within the confines of the new safety regs. I just feel it's the detail that lets the R56 dow n slightly in places but it's just personal preferences. I really thought hard about getting another S but unfortunately the new model wasn't pulling me enough. I must say though the new powerplants are nice and after throwing my arms up initially in horror that it's a French engine lol I go and order a Peugeot 207 CC GT instead of an S lol. I was so impressed with the engine it won me over in this car Funny how times change