R56 R53 versus R56... a visual study
#201
OK, I'm giving this way more thought than I should but I'm thinking seriously about getting a second Mini so just give me a little latitude: Perhaps we're all being a little unfair (myself included) when comparing our cars to the new model - maybe we need to ask ourselves the question "Would we buy this car if the earlier version was never produced?" After all, anyone on this forum obviously loves the original version so we're a little biased. Viewed on those terms, the new Mini does in fact remain true to the concept and is a great little car with loads of personality.
Just a thought.![Smilie](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Just a thought.
![Smilie](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
#202
#203
#204
#205
wow ... man the car's a hack job they coulda put a turbo in the currently styled car or very very near to it . but why do you suppose not . most all here say it's a pos style wise . why if not for greed would they risk loss in return customers?
#206
#207
I've always said that it was my opinion that if the R56 was the car that was introduced in 2002, I would not have fallen in love with it. No more, no less.
I showed the series of R53/R56 side-by-sides in two above posts to my daughter who is a pretty hip 13 year old artist. She knows nothing of the new MINI for 2007. All I asked her is which of each two two she liked better, disregarding colors and trim, just her impressions of overall shape. Out of the eight (?) pairs, she only picked the R56 once, and she said it was because she couldn't get over the blue with the white bonnet stripes.
Yes, it's only one anecdote, but it's what it is.
I showed the series of R53/R56 side-by-sides in two above posts to my daughter who is a pretty hip 13 year old artist. She knows nothing of the new MINI for 2007. All I asked her is which of each two two she liked better, disregarding colors and trim, just her impressions of overall shape. Out of the eight (?) pairs, she only picked the R56 once, and she said it was because she couldn't get over the blue with the white bonnet stripes.
Yes, it's only one anecdote, but it's what it is.
#208
I've always said that it was my opinion that if the R56 was the car that was introduced in 2002, I would not have fallen in love with it. No more, no less.
I showed the series of R53/R56 side-by-sides in two above posts to my daughter who is a pretty hip 13 year old artist. She knows nothing of the new MINI for 2007. All I asked her is which of each two two she liked better, disregarding colors and trim, just her impressions of overall shape. Out of the eight (?) pairs, she only picked the R56 once, and she said it was because she couldn't get over the blue with the white bonnet stripes.
Yes, it's only one anecdote, but it's what it is.
I showed the series of R53/R56 side-by-sides in two above posts to my daughter who is a pretty hip 13 year old artist. She knows nothing of the new MINI for 2007. All I asked her is which of each two two she liked better, disregarding colors and trim, just her impressions of overall shape. Out of the eight (?) pairs, she only picked the R56 once, and she said it was because she couldn't get over the blue with the white bonnet stripes.
Yes, it's only one anecdote, but it's what it is.
#209
I would most respectfully and heartily disagree.Not so either. Many of us, all reviewers (thus far), and the most knowledgable other MINIacs around find much to like in R56. In any case....how could it possibly be a "hack job" or a "pos?" Based on everything I've read that's just not a viable option at this point. We we MINI enthusiasts or not?
#211
Because keeping it the same would likely result in a bigger loss of customers, everything changes, sometimes for the better, sometimes some may think not...but if it doesn't change, it dies.
As almost all the reviews have said, it's nearly impossible for most people to tell the difference in the new MINI and the new, new MINI from the external styling changes. As far as a smoother, more technologically advanced, slightly more powerful over a broader rpm range, lighter, more economical engine, it's likely most potential buyers can deal with that.
As almost all the reviews have said, it's nearly impossible for most people to tell the difference in the new MINI and the new, new MINI from the external styling changes. As far as a smoother, more technologically advanced, slightly more powerful over a broader rpm range, lighter, more economical engine, it's likely most potential buyers can deal with that.
![Thumbs Up](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/thumb-up.gif)
#212
Get over it! ... Continually referring to the car as HORRIBLE, when the average Joe wouldn't notice the differences, pretty much reveals your viewpoint. But that's all it is...your viewpoint. ... Seriously, your negative posts and histrionics over the new car have caused you to lose any credibility, I'd guess.. You're the senior "Negative Nellie" of this forum. Bask in the glory.
You've earned it.
![Thumbs Up](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/thumb-up.gif)
#214
Looks like whaaaaat?
![LOL](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/lol.gif)
#215
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Lower Merion, PA (Philly)
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Newcomers won't notice or care about the differences. I prefer '02-'06 styling. It's definitely cuter and it's original. It's what I'm used to. Anything else would be unthinkable for now. Nevertheless, I already know that the fifth year version of the first New Mini is more of a delight than the first and I suspect that one day I'll own a turbomini.......and love it just as much.
![Cool](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/cool.gif)
#218
Oh probably very few...that's what's so interesting. Most of us have been following this well over a year (it seems), from the very first mules (bulge on the bonnet), to various spy shots, to the official publicity photos/videos, to the Paris Auto Show, to the most recent pics from the test drives....and everything in between. Must be hundereds of photos/images in all. It's quite a story if you're into that sort of thing.![Nod](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/nod.gif)
No, we won't see the real thing for awhile...can't wait!! For now it suffices to hang on the words of those who have seen it and had a chance to poke around. Funny....so many say the cosmetic changes are harder to spot in person.
![Nod](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/nod.gif)
No, we won't see the real thing for awhile...can't wait!! For now it suffices to hang on the words of those who have seen it and had a chance to poke around. Funny....so many say the cosmetic changes are harder to spot in person.
#219
leave it to europe to screw up a nice car playin' stalin.
#220
I would most respectfully and heartily disagree.Not so either. Many of us, all reviewers (thus far), and the most knowledgable other MINIacs around find much to like in R56. In any case....how could it possibly be a "hack job" or a "pos?" Based on everything I've read that's just not a viable option at this point. We we MINI enthusiasts or not?
#222
operative words were more like it . it's clear who's buying one and who ain't . i for one will be buying a classic. it's just getting bigger. and less like a mini (hence the name) seeing the vw next to it did it for me. my 04's already right there with a gti. but whatever ... luck with the cars guys; really.. hope all is well . enjoy .
#223
#224
You know...
I'm still amazed that there are such purists.
Comparing the R56 to an AMC Pacer?![Roll](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/roll.gif)
To the never-ending growth of the Thunderbird?![Eek](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/eek2.gif)
GAFB!![LOL](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/lol.gif)
If I were to start throwing around insults on the look of a car -- it'd be the Cabrio. I don't think they got the top right at all. It looks like a tent. And those big chrome tubes just look goofy.
Ooh, crap. I spoke evil about the R5x (where x< 4).![EEK!](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/eek.gif)
And I'm using too many smilies. Better stop now.
-W-
Comparing the R56 to an AMC Pacer?
![Roll](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/roll.gif)
To the never-ending growth of the Thunderbird?
![Eek](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/eek2.gif)
GAFB!
![LOL](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/lol.gif)
If I were to start throwing around insults on the look of a car -- it'd be the Cabrio. I don't think they got the top right at all. It looks like a tent. And those big chrome tubes just look goofy.
Ooh, crap. I spoke evil about the R5x (where x< 4).
![EEK!](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/eek.gif)
And I'm using too many smilies. Better stop now.
-W-
#225
I'm still amazed that there are such purists.
Comparing the R56 to an AMC Pacer?![Roll](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/roll.gif)
To the never-ending growth of the Thunderbird?![Eek](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/eek2.gif)
GAFB!![LOL](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/lol.gif)
If I were to start throwing around insults on the look of a car -- it'd be the Cabrio. I don't think they got the top right at all. It looks like a tent. And those big chrome tubes just look goofy.
Ooh, crap. I spoke evil about the R5x (where x< 4).![EEK!](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/eek.gif)
And I'm using too many smilies. Better stop now.
-W-
Comparing the R56 to an AMC Pacer?
![Roll](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/roll.gif)
To the never-ending growth of the Thunderbird?
![Eek](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/eek2.gif)
GAFB!
![LOL](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/lol.gif)
If I were to start throwing around insults on the look of a car -- it'd be the Cabrio. I don't think they got the top right at all. It looks like a tent. And those big chrome tubes just look goofy.
Ooh, crap. I spoke evil about the R5x (where x< 4).
![EEK!](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/eek.gif)
And I'm using too many smilies. Better stop now.
-W-