[tvacc]

Originally Posted by NCZ06

The supercharged engine took until about 3000 RPM to start making any usable power and even when it did it wasn't that fast. The ride quality was much worse than my R56, although I guess some enthusiasts associate poor ride with good handling. I feel that the R56 has a much better ride handling balance. The steering ratio on the R53 was quicker, but it was a little bit much for a daily driver. The fuel economy is also far superior on the R56. The R56 is clearly the better daily driver, but I think it will take a while for the R53 die-hards to warm up to it.

I agree with everthing you say here. I could have bought either....although I had not driven the new car when I ordered my 2006 in Ocotober 2006. I had a 2004 and my son has the 2005.

I was happy when I drove the 2007 car(R56) as all the things I liked about the MINI were absent for me in the 2007 car. I HATE the central speedo. I got the instrument pack on both my MINIs that puts the speedo right in front of you, where it should be. It is not available on the R56. I also like the quick steering of the R53. Feels more like a sports car from the 60's. Almost like the old BMW 2002. And I am not that crazy about the interior. I was not concerned about the power of the R56 being more than the R53 as that is why I have the Elise. The MINI is my daily driver.

So basically, all of the most driver related things that meant the most to me they changed on the R56. Changes that I do not like. I think they missed the boat...watered down the sports car like nature of it.

The R56 is not a bad car....just for me the R53 is much more of what I want and like in a car.