Cooper S - R52 compared to R56???
Discussion
Cooper S - R52 compared to R56???
Ok, need some help here.
As I understand it, the MK2 Mini in hatch form (R56) was launched in 2007. So an 07 plate Cooper S hatch is a MK2 with the 1.6 turbo engine.
The convertible however remained a MK1 until Jan 2009. So an 07 plate Cooper S convertible would be a Mk1 (R52) with the 1.6 supercharged engine.
How much better is the R56 over the R52?
I really like/want the idea of a convertible, but is it an inferior car?
Ok, need some help here.
As I understand it, the MK2 Mini in hatch form (R56) was launched in 2007. So an 07 plate Cooper S hatch is a MK2 with the 1.6 turbo engine.
The convertible however remained a MK1 until Jan 2009. So an 07 plate Cooper S convertible would be a Mk1 (R52) with the 1.6 supercharged engine.
How much better is the R56 over the R52?
I really like/want the idea of a convertible, but is it an inferior car?
I'm going to ignore the last line of the post 
The interiro quality of the newer car is much improved. To begin with I preferred the older cars exterior styling, however the newer car has grown on me, and is now preferred.
The newer engine feels at least as strong as the older car, and manages massively better fuel economy. The old car is pretty thirst for what it is.
If you have the option of either, go with the newer, however if buying older brings a works into budget that you can't manage on the newer car, then go for that.
The interiro quality of the newer car is much improved. To begin with I preferred the older cars exterior styling, however the newer car has grown on me, and is now preferred.
The newer engine feels at least as strong as the older car, and manages massively better fuel economy. The old car is pretty thirst for what it is.
If you have the option of either, go with the newer, however if buying older brings a works into budget that you can't manage on the newer car, then go for that.
FYI - the older cooper s is the r53.
I personally prefer the r53 as i like the supercharger noise and the more linear power delivery. There are also more proven tuning options for the r53 than the r56 at the moment.
ETA: The r56 has an improved interior - but that doesn't mean the r53 interior isn't nice, the r56 is just, nicer
I may be biased however :P
I personally prefer the r53 as i like the supercharger noise and the more linear power delivery. There are also more proven tuning options for the r53 than the r56 at the moment.
ETA: The r56 has an improved interior - but that doesn't mean the r53 interior isn't nice, the r56 is just, nicer
I may be biased however :P
Edited by JJCW on Monday 11th May 10:51
300bhp/ton said:
Cooper S - R52 compared to R56???
Ok, need some help here.
As I understand it, the MK2 Mini in hatch form (R56) was launched in 2007. So an 07 plate Cooper S hatch is a MK2 with the 1.6 turbo engine.
The convertible however remained a MK1 until Jan 2009. So an 07 plate Cooper S convertible would be a Mk1 (R52) with the 1.6 supercharged engine.
How much better is the R56 over the R52?
I really like/want the idea of a convertible, but is it an inferior car?
"As I understand it, the MK2 Mini in hatch form (R56) was launched in 2007. So an 07 plate Cooper S hatch is a MK2 with the 1.6 turbo engine"Ok, need some help here.
As I understand it, the MK2 Mini in hatch form (R56) was launched in 2007. So an 07 plate Cooper S hatch is a MK2 with the 1.6 turbo engine.
The convertible however remained a MK1 until Jan 2009. So an 07 plate Cooper S convertible would be a Mk1 (R52) with the 1.6 supercharged engine.
How much better is the R56 over the R52?
I really like/want the idea of a convertible, but is it an inferior car?
Many 56 plate cars will be the newer engine as I believe it was launched in Nov 2006.
"
The convertible however remained a MK1 until Jan 2009. So an 07 plate Cooper S convertible would be a Mk1 (R52) with the 1.6 supercharged engine"
The convertible remained mark one until March this year, so in fact its possible to get the last shape on a 58 (and probably one or two on an 09,stock cars).
"How much better is the R56 over the R52?"
In terms of build, refinement, comfort, economy its better in ever dept. Its still fun, it doesn't sound as nice, but other than that I can't see a reason why I would want an r52.
Thanks.
Well here's the thing. I'm really after a daily driver, I don't do many miles at the mo, but want something that is cheap to run. I'm currently using my Camaro everyday, but the very short journey is not cost affect mpg wise, I also want a smaller car to park.
But I really like the idea of getting a convertible. But a new convertible might be a tad to pricey for me at the mo.
So I was thinking used, but reviews say the older supercharged engine only manages 32mpg. I can see this being in the 20's for my use. This just won't be sensible.
So, maybe I'd consider a hatch instead with the newer engine. I'm not out for the fastest car in the world. But the regular Cooper doesn't appeal. If I'm going petrol I want the quick one, if I'm not then I'd rather have a diesel. But BMW don't sell a Cooper D convertible!!!
What sort of real world mpg average are you guys getting from your Cooper S's?
Well here's the thing. I'm really after a daily driver, I don't do many miles at the mo, but want something that is cheap to run. I'm currently using my Camaro everyday, but the very short journey is not cost affect mpg wise, I also want a smaller car to park.
But I really like the idea of getting a convertible. But a new convertible might be a tad to pricey for me at the mo.
So I was thinking used, but reviews say the older supercharged engine only manages 32mpg. I can see this being in the 20's for my use. This just won't be sensible.
So, maybe I'd consider a hatch instead with the newer engine. I'm not out for the fastest car in the world. But the regular Cooper doesn't appeal. If I'm going petrol I want the quick one, if I'm not then I'd rather have a diesel. But BMW don't sell a Cooper D convertible!!!
What sort of real world mpg average are you guys getting from your Cooper S's?
We test drove an R56, it was better built than the older version, and with the stop start technology it was massivly more fuel efficient.
Only let down was the price. Expensive for what they are, and stood side by side the r56 looks ballooned, and we actually prefered the R53 looks, but theres not much in it.
We bought a JCW 54 plate with low miles for half the price of a brand new normal Cooper S, and the wife loves it. She was dissapointed at the lack of a sport button though (LOL)
If you have the money the newer model is a fantastic car, or spend half as much and save a fortune.
Only let down was the price. Expensive for what they are, and stood side by side the r56 looks ballooned, and we actually prefered the R53 looks, but theres not much in it.
We bought a JCW 54 plate with low miles for half the price of a brand new normal Cooper S, and the wife loves it. She was dissapointed at the lack of a sport button though (LOL)
If you have the money the newer model is a fantastic car, or spend half as much and save a fortune.
Well, we bought a new 53 plate Cooper S and I reckon we averaged around 25mpg, maybe 28mpg, for mixed driving, and perhaps 32mpg on a run.
In fact, to this day its lack of economy really surprises me. Not that that should necessarily put anyone off, but it's worth bearing in mind...
Fantastic car, though... I miss it sometimes...
In fact, to this day its lack of economy really surprises me. Not that that should necessarily put anyone off, but it's worth bearing in mind...
Fantastic car, though... I miss it sometimes...
JJCW said:
300bhp/ton said:
skylinecrazy said:
You want a Mini convertible?
Why not?What else is fun, open topped and has 4 seats for the same money?
JJCW said:
300bhp/ton said:
skylinecrazy said:
You want a Mini convertible?
Why not?What else is fun, open topped and has 4 seats for the same money?
oktapod said:
Well, we bought a new 53 plate Cooper S and I reckon we averaged around 25mpg, maybe 28mpg, for mixed driving, and perhaps 32mpg on a run.
In fact, to this day its lack of economy really surprises me. Not that that should necessarily put anyone off, but it's worth bearing in mind...
Fantastic car, though... I miss it sometimes...
umm, think that may have sealed the decision. Or at least eliminated the possibility of an older Cooper S.In fact, to this day its lack of economy really surprises me. Not that that should necessarily put anyone off, but it's worth bearing in mind...
Fantastic car, though... I miss it sometimes...
25mpg is just a tad too low.
M@T.R said:
JJCW said:
300bhp/ton said:
skylinecrazy said:
You want a Mini convertible?
Why not?What else is fun, open topped and has 4 seats for the same money?
Have not been in a new Mini, but looks aside I had a 04 CS, and sold it in 6mths. Cool funky car let down by it's woeful reliability, the whole dash is held on with two bolts only that can be physically shifted with your hand. It rattled like mad.
Then the mechanicals, I had a new clutch, thrust bearing and flywheel. Problem still persisted so they fitted a new gearbox. Still the same rattling noise coming from somewhere so sold it.
I only had run flat tyres on mine, but the handling was no way near the impression you are given by the press. Bombing down a B road you find yourself slowing down as it would feel unstable over bumpy ground.
But it looked the nutz
Then the mechanicals, I had a new clutch, thrust bearing and flywheel. Problem still persisted so they fitted a new gearbox. Still the same rattling noise coming from somewhere so sold it.
I only had run flat tyres on mine, but the handling was no way near the impression you are given by the press. Bombing down a B road you find yourself slowing down as it would feel unstable over bumpy ground.
But it looked the nutz
okgo said:
Cooper S - R52 compared to R56???
In terms of build, refinement, comfort, economy its better in ever dept. Its still fun, it doesn't sound as nice, but other than that I can't see a reason why I would want an r52.
Your forgeting one of the main reasons why you would purchase an R53 over an R56 - the chassis. Unlike the new car, the old car doesn't have bag loads of torque-steer and understeer built into the chassis.In terms of build, refinement, comfort, economy its better in ever dept. Its still fun, it doesn't sound as nice, but other than that I can't see a reason why I would want an r52.
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