R53 JCW GP vs R56 JCW

[JRzwevegem]

Hello,

I am in the search of a fast mini and i would like to know the experience of people that had/driven both.

- reliabilty (common issues that need attention)
- driving characteristics
- pure fun factor

Here in Belgium you can have a 2011 R56 JCW for the same price as a R56 JCW GP.

So i would like to know youre experiences and what would be your choice and why.

Never owned a mini btw

Thank you.

[rare6499]

The R53 is the more special car.

You can tune the R56 more easily and it’s more usable everyday.

The R53 GP is still a capable little car, numbered and assembled by Bertone. What more could you ask for...

[Dr Interceptor]

You'll have to drive both, they're very different cars.

R56 is more refined, more comfortable, but the R53 is a better Mini if you prefer a more raw experience.

I currently have both parked outside

[Leins]

For pure fun factor, R53 GP every time. Love mine

[and31]

R53 GP every time for me.
I have borrowed a heavily modified R56 from 1320 for a day-it was running over 260bhp if I remember rightly and was hilariously fast ,and had some serious money thrown at it-but I still prefer the R53