Now the question; if I install a beefier rear swaybar will that be enough to make for a flatter ride and will it be worthwhile. Keep in mind that I’m one of the 95% that never does AutoX or racing (on the track of course).

Make sure you’re comparing the latter vs. the R56. :)

Of course that’s the only one I’d ever reference :) And yes, the R56 feels as fast seat of the pants. I imagine the JCW trumps frmo 50-100 but from 0-60 the R56 feels every bit as fast.

My car might not have been as powerful as either of them… but the times we posted (we all drove all three cars throughout the day)… all showed the total package of the R56S made for a faster car. Period.

I’ve seen the same things with AutoX times from friends. I think it’s pretty clear the R56 is faster than the numbers would indicate.

My car might not have been as powerful as either of them… but the times we posted (we all drove all three cars throughout the day)… all showed the total package of the R56S made for a faster car. Period.

agreed. I’ve said it before and caught flak for it.

This may be one of the most controversial WRRs yet (unless you own a r56).

I prefer the R53, but I still like the R56–especially the new gearbox and seats, and down the road I might get one, once the Stage II JCW is out. But not until my JCW R53 dies, which if I’m lucky, will hopefully be never.

I understand Gabe’s point of view, with the exception of the steeringhe mentioned in the other thread–give me the R53 any day (except for parallel parking). I can’t believe Gabe felt the R53′s steering felt lighter–the R56 feels light to the point where I’m not as comfortable on a quick turn in; there isn’t as much feedback either–the car I drove felt a bit squirrely compared to my R53, or a stock 2006 S for that matter.

Granted, the R56 I drove had the standard suspension, which may have had something to do with it.

They’re both great cars, and there is no doubt that the changes in the R56 will make it more accessible to the masses. Call me a whiner, but I still prefer the R53, but I still give props to the R56.

The front end of the R56 is fantastic, in one day it took my R53 screemer and made me suddenly say wow the front end looks weak on my R53. Plenty of Mini lust to go around in this household, I don’t have to pick only one version of perfection ;)

I drove the R56 S and I agree with you on that the powertrain is fantastic. It is a well composed car all around without a doubt. My issues with it are mostly the interior and exterior cosmetics. The interior is a bizarre mix of premium and bargain basement materials. I share my dislike of the center speedo and I find that the headliner material is particularly insulting for a car of this calibre. And the speedo is too big and yet it does not house any additional gauges (Like a real temp gauge, essential on a Turbocharged car).

But here what truly matters is that you like it and you connect with its language (See previous post I made in the other thread). MINI has hit a score with you and that is a good thing because you have discriminating taste.

The R53 is a timeless design and the detail on it is excellent. I hope future MINIs go “back to basics”and re-incorporate some of the great design cues of the R53 era.

So are you pretty much set on the color and options? I hear you were not a big fan of yellow cars until this one.

I will drink a good German beer in your honor!

Cheers from Marien Platz!

And just to clarify, this isn’t some sort of blind affection. I’ve put a lot of thought into these opinions and how I wanted to express them. And my reaction to the car is after many miles driven on both the track and the road.

Disagree with your opinion on the design of the R56. Best of luck whichever way you want to go.