Old vs New: Two Generations of JCW GPs Compared in Photos
Since the release of the 2nd generation JCW GP we’ve been debating how it compares to the original. And while we’ve found that the new GP runs rings around the first generation on the road and track, the jury is still out on which actually looks better. So we wanted to take another look at both with back to back photos comparing details of both cars. Which one wins out? Lets hear it in the comments.
The R53 GP and the R56 GP2
<p>Likely I am jaded as a Mk1 owner, the R53 still is the better looking car hands down. Also not sure if there is a much fo a gulf of perforemance 90% of anybody could likely feel. Their base acceleration is about the same. While the MK2 has slightly faster time on the track (still would like to see the time of the MK1 with the new GP’s rubber on the track on the same track with the same driver and same weather). One thing for certian the origonal is a hooligan that is comical with its entire personality. Only one short drive in the new GP but broadly misses on being a fun of a car to me personally.</p>
<p>I have owned Mini’s since 2003 and loved them ALL. I’m not sure this is about which GP people like. I think it boils down to nostalgic sentiments for the R53 (which I owned) and the R56, which I also own. There’s room for both in my cherished memories and BOTH, ladies and gents, were/are fun cars. Each has their own personality and came with oodles of car character! I currently own a GPII and love it. It’s different than my other Mini’s but, gee I still love driving it, just like I loved driving my 2003 & 2009 Mini’s. See my point. You’re right, there really isn’t one. Just like there really isn’t a point to picking a winner between the two GP’s. Gabe, with all due respect (I love your articles & reviews) but asking this forum to pick a “winner” simply promotes discourse among Mini owners. Next thing you know, you’ll have us stop waving at fellow Mini motorist. lol</p>
<p>All Mini’s generate their own persona, their own following and from reading this and other forums, their own naysayers. Can’t wait to read the reaction from some of you when Mini come equipped with a stop/start feature that obnoxiously kicks in at each red light you come to, or chopping a cylinder off the Mini engine in the name of improved fuel consumption.</p>
<p>Things change. Nostalgia keeps historians busy reminiscing. Yeah, I like B&W movies from the old days, but them new fangled talkies in living color are kind of neat too. Love your Mini. Stop worrying so much about which model is better. Enjoying the one you have doesn’t have to come at the expense of someone else’s Mini, regardless of model.</p>
<p><blockquote>Can’t wait to read the reaction from some of you when Mini come equipped with a stop/start feature that obnoxiously kicks in at each red light you come to</blockquote></p>
<p>MINI in Europe have had start/stop for years, and it is already here on BMW. It doesn’t seem to have caused much of a fuss. Besides, Americans are already used to hybrids turning off the engine.</p>
<p>Oh you are so so right brt356
If only some well-known posters here, could think like you !</p>
<p>R53 hands down, from almost any angle. I still can’t get past those god-awful decals and cheapo wheels.</p>
<p>No question for me–The R56 looks much better, a much more cohesive design. I also don’t like the decals, but they don’t make or break the car. I’d just take them off except the hood decals. I find it funny that people make such a big deal about them. GT3RS owners could care less. You buy the car to drive and enjoy: like the decals, leave them on, hate them, take them off.</p>
<p>To be completely honest, I felt compelled to leave the answer I did because I expected the R53 fanatics to come out in full force…I think the R56 could use a bit of support now and then. While I do much prefer the JCW look (GP included) of the R56 over the R53, I still like driving next to MINIs of any generation on the road, not to mention a GP. It’s still pretty rare to get a wave though, I would say maybe 1 in 20 or so would wave back.</p>
<p>Maybe it is just me, and the fact that I have only ever owned a R56 and now a R55, I have to say that I LOVE the looks of the second generation over the first. The first is a great looking car, but the second generation look so much meaner and more intimidating. I hope the third generation keeps up the improvements, cant wait to see what the next generation Clubman brings.</p>
<p>Seeing this side by side comparison, I’m actually very surprised at how many of the GPII design features I like better than its predecessor — particularly the front and rear fascia and the aerodynamic body features. I much prefer the overall stance, wheels, and the more subtle, classy graphics of the original. In the end, they’re both great looking MINIs.</p>
<p>Have to agree with you Gary. Side by side the GPII definitely gets the edge boyd-wise.The shot from above really shows the size difference. Excellent pictures!</p>
<p>Have friends with both with one family having two of the new GP’s. Both Cars have been bought by friends over the last few years. Depending on Budget and what they want from the cars.Obviously the R53 gives best bang for buck with the cars half if not even lower,out of warranty and maybe needing a bit of work depending on past history. The New GP obviously comes with the peace of mind with a full warranty, improved build
quality and should not have any nasty surprises that a R53 version that’s had a
rough life could spring. Personally both would be wasted on my driving style
but I can still appreciate there a bit special. If BMW said any car our treat I’d
still take a Works Hatch with all the trimmings every time but that’s personal
preference and I think the R53 and R56 fall into the same category as both a
fantastic cars.</p>
<p>I like MINI’s. Old ones and new ones. I’m lucky to have driven pretty much every variant since 2002. They’re all fun. I wonder if the BMW 2002 owners cringed when the e30 came out?</p>
<p>Yes and no. The e21 320i replaced the 2002, and the BMW CCA Roundel had loads of letters about how much better the 2002 was and the 320i was too heavy, refined and lacked power. That war was still going on when the e30 came out, but then came the ///M3 and other first generation ///Mcars, and that shut us up. I have a 1973 2002 and 1988 M5 and that was the best era of BMWs (it’s lasted through the early ’90s).
I also have both a GP1 & GP2 and love them both. GP2 is probably better at everything except acceleration, but that could be because the GP1 is so much more raw, that it feels quicker. I only have 1800 miles on the new one, and 85k on the old, so it may also get quicker as it breaks in. So far I think the GP1 is the more fun car, but need more time in GP2 to know for sure. No comparison on the seats though. GP1 is terrible, and the GP2 amazing, even if I do need to sit a bit farther back than noirmal so my arms don’t hit the side bolsters in corners.</p>
<p>Sorry, the nose of the R53 is just plain ugly, always has been. It was bulged to fit the super-charger, and resulted in unpleasing lines and awkward contours. The GPII wins hands down.</p>
<p>Couldn’t disagree more on that one, Greg. I LOVE the bonnet bulge on the R53. Gives the face some character that’s lacking on the R50.</p>
<p>You may love it, and it may add “character”, but it does not make it good looking, or well proportioned.</p>
<p>Opposite. Pedestrian Impact Standards and big-nosed cars have screwed with your perceptions ;)</p>
<p>I agree with lavardera. It was one of the points that led me to choose a Cooper when I was buying my R52 in 2005. Looking a row of MINIs at the dealer, the nose of the S looked awkward and bulbous in comparison to the Cooper, not so different from a large nose on a person’s face. I would have liked the extra power, but it was for 90% city driving.</p>
<p>I think the R50/52 nose with the slightly raised center, nose with fenders taller on each site, surface vents – all clearly inspired by the classic Jaguar E-Type. Not as strong or aggressive looking as the other models, but I think the most graceful.</p>
<p>These are both fantastic cars. It is not a question of which one is better or worse, they are just different. The R53 GP is more raw and fun to drive. The R56 GP is more refined and faster.</p>
<p>I am an R53 GP owner, yet there are aspects of the R56 GP which I like better. Real brake cooling ducts, massive front brakes, Xenon headlights, and sexy GP2 interior are a few examples. But in the end, I still prefer the raw feeling and feedback of the R53 would not trade it for an R56 GP. The only solution to this dilemma would be to have one of each.</p>
<p>From every angle the R53 based GP is far more pleasing to the eye. The R56 based GP gets downright garish with the cheap looking graphics and far more red (which to me is overboard). Some of this comes from the differences between R53s and R56s in general and nothing to do with the GP; while other aspects that ruin the new GP to me are where MINI went over the top.
The new rims are terrible looking, the graphic treatment above the rockers is overdone, and the red graphics around the air scoop is gaudy.
But, there are a few positive notes on the new GP to my eye: the rear spoiler looks a bit better at least in the pictures, the lower grill and fog lights look better (more a function of R56), and perhaps the rear diffuser.</p>
<p>Collectors car or not, I’d have to peel off those ugly stickers and get different wheels. The world of Mini is lucky I can’t afford one.</p>
<p>Both cars are beautiful, choosing would be a crime, but put the R53 wheels on the R56 version and huge homerun! Conversely put the R56 seats in the R53 same out of the park results!
On styling that’s my opinions, on performance I couldn’t say, never driven either, but I appreciate both designs, cheap decals, awful seats and all! I am really glad you guys did put up the gallery of both together, its great to see the cars playing nicely.</p>
<p>Both are great.</p>
<p>Want to discuss just one part: the WHEELS…</p>
<p>The wheels on GP1 are just plain better.</p>
<p>The GP2 wheel has spokes that are solid and filled-in, making them look clunky and almost unfinished; as if the CNC mill operator forgot to hollow the spokes out. The GP1 wheel looks more finished and balanced, because there are the cutouts in the middle of each spoke. Maybe one can assume the GP1 wheels are not as strong/rigid (not sure), but they sure are aesthetically more pleasing, (and allow us to see those fine brake calipers and rotors better).</p>
<p>The wheels on both GPs are not one of Mini’s high points. But that said, GP1 has nicer spokes, but I give GP2 the nod for for acknowledging that 17s = better performance than 18s. Slaying that great big 800lb gorilla of a Mini performance culture misconception makes the ugly easy to bear.</p>
<p>Cracks me up, You were spouting crap when I owned my MINIs and you still are spouting crap here and I hardly ever come here anymore now that I don’t own a MINI. Amazing! rave on wash boy.</p>
<p>I missed you too.</p>
<p>Well played, sir. Well played.</p>
<p>I personally like how the 1st GP’s rocker panels fills up the air gap all the way to the rear wheels. One reason i own it over other MINIs.</p>
<p>The R56 runs rings around the R53 on the track? Hardly. Put the same sticky tires on the R53 that are on the R56, and the difference is disappointing. Love the idea of everything else they did with the R56 from a performance standpoint, but it’s underpowered.</p>
<p>The GPs are both fugly compared to their non-GP counterparts. Wheels are ugly and the vinyl and off-color accents are just garish. I guess if I had to pick I’d go with the R53 just because it’s graphics are slightly less horrible.</p>
<p>I would not say it would run rings around the old. Here is a list of 0-60 and 1/4 miles times by numerous tests.</p>
<p>2006 Mini Cooper S John Cooper Works GP 0-60 mph 5.9 Quarter Mile 14.4</p>
<p>2013 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works GP 0-60 mph 5.9 Quarter Mile 14.2</p>
<p><a href="http://www.zeroto60times.com/Mini-Cooper-0-60-mph-Times.html" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.zeroto60times.com/Mini-Cooper-0-60-mph-Times.html</a> Check it out for yourself.</p>
<p>How’d you get GP 0001!?</p>
<p>R53, hands down.</p>
<p>What’s a fair price for an ’06 GP w/ 60k on the odo?</p>
<p>And what about run-flats. Can they be replaced with regular tires? The run-flats are outrageously priced and wear rapidly. Please advise. Thanks</p>