[1 AJC]

For some time now I've been hankering after a Cooper S. I loved the old style R53 before it was replaced but life has been made somewhat more difficult with the introduction of the replacement R56! I plan to change later this summer, and was contemplating either a late R53 (preferably checkmate) or early R56.

So I took myself down to MINI today to compare both (they had a 55' checkmate in stock) and left with a somewhat mixed feeling. The idea is that I will keep the car for a few years, so there must be no mechanical problems. Having kept up with the forum in recent months I can see that the consensus is that many new R56 owners have had no end of problems, and that the late R53's are pretty solid. Unfortunately (in this example) that wasnt the case!

I drove a lightning blue R56 S first of all and loved it. Everything seemed to feel pretty solid, it handled beautifully, and the engine was an absolute storm. Flexible in the higher gears, and genuinely rapid in 2nd and 3rd.

I then drove the checkmate and it was a massive dissappointment. It may have just been this particular example, but it was everything the R56 wasnt. It felt loose, it rattled, the steering was heavy at low speeds and it got lighter the quicker I went. Also, there was no real shove, nothing like the R56, although the power (or lack thereof) seemed to last throughout the revrange. What was even worse was, the car sounded like a diesel at idle, and quite amusingly when stopped at a traffic light the salesman actually said, i quote "thats a noisy diesel" gesturing toward the van next to us. It was only at the next set of lights when we were alone that he acknowledged it was the car!

Im now left in a massive dilemma, there are things I like equally about both cars (now alot less in the case of the R53).

R53

The good:

Supercharger wine
Front looks
Standard boost stereo
Price

The bad:

Lower fuel economy
Higher tax
Older vehicle
Not as quick


R56

The good:

Looks from the rear
Updated interior
Improved fuel economy
Lower tax
Flexible, torquey unit

The bad:

Initial cost
Poor standard boost stereo
Looks from front?
Supposed problems with early versions

Could it just be down to the fact that the R53 was a poor example? Or am I right in thinking that the new car is quite an improvement? I recenty read an article giving the opinion that the new R56 is a properly designed and engineered BMW product, whereas the R53 was (although a very good) mish mash of resources which undoubtedly began the regeneration of the MINI brand? It certainly felt that way today.

I dont intend to open up a can of worms regarding the great R53 vs R56 debate, but those who feel a need to comment, I appreciate the time it has taken you to read my essay and would be grateful for any input!

[Sportspack Mark]

Perhaps it was just that particular checkmate that was a bad example, perhaps try and find another one to test drive to compare

[supa-dupa-cooper]

Ive owned both, and (still) love both

There are bits of both of them, i either love or dislike, but overall, they are both MINIs and both great cars

[neilobe]

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

[Paul]

Does sound like a duff first gen S you had, the only petrol MINI I've ever heard sounding anything like a Diesel is the R56 S.

[stuvoi]

I've had both R53 and R56 (still driving the R56).

As a drivers car, R53 handled better and yes it had the supercharge whime.

As a car for everyday use and for wife and daughter to finish a journey with back in place then the R56 offers a better compromise between the drive and comfort.

There is also the turbo-pop, which is always brings a smile.

I guess with drive against polluting vehicles you never know what they are going to do in future, but you can bet it won't get cheaper to run a R53...

Stu

[1 AJC]

Thanks for the input guys. It does seem as if the R53 I drove was a pup, although it has somewhat dented the experience now and I'm pretty set on an R56. It looks like a better idea in the long run considering fuel, tax etc. The only problem I have now is the higher initial cost, so I'm now facing having to wait a little longer to get my hands on one!

[baskers]

The late R53s, of which I bought one are mechanically very sound, and feel very good.

If budget is an issue, go for an R56, 'cause the R53 is not for the scrimper!

I had an R56 Cooper for a week, and although the car was easier to live with, and very refined (yadda, yadda etc...) it was just a little dull, too easy and not much of a buzz (still a very, very good car though) - do what is right for you at this point in time!

Good luck,

Jay
R53 MCS PW/B