R56 or F56?

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  1. #1
    Wheelspin Kid Eddie_JCW's Avatar
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    Aug 2013
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    Hey guys and girls. Well it's time for me to start considering my options for another MINI I think I've decided it has to be either an F56 or an N18 R56, has to be at least an S but more than likely another JCW.

    This is where I need your help I've driven both cars and both have their advantages and disadvantages, having lived with an R56 and loving how raw it felt I'm scared the F56 would end up being boring. The R56 also felt more go-karty and solid in the corners. I do like the tech in the new cars and without a doubt they're nicer inside if a little bland but that I'm sure could be sorted.

    F56 owners do you ever miss your R56?

    Cheers
    Eddie

  2. #2
    Mark Johnston
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    Horizon Blue 2009 R56 S
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    I had a shot of an f56 S with the pro exhaust. And like you say felt a lot less mini than my R56 felt like the fun had been lost. Felt too bmw for me. They are brilliant cars but not for me

  3. #3
    Handbrake Turner CiderFex's Avatar
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    Apr 2013
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    Great news Eddie.

    If you still fancy the “older” version couldn’t you go for one with the Media Pack/Sat Nav if you like a few gadgets ?


    Sent from Yorkshire wi a hint of sarcasm.

  4. #4
    Handbrake Turner CiderFex's Avatar
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    At the end of the day Eddie you will end up going with your heart.
    I’m used to a nigh on 12 year old R53 so anything newer seems like a spaceship to me.

    I do like the F57 JCW’s but I just could not personally warrant the cost and I would honestly be scared to drive it like I would with an older model.
    It’s each to their own though and I’m sure that you’ll decide on the model for you eventually.
    My only real advice would be to weigh up all of your options carefully and take your time in deciding.

    Not to worry ‘cos you can get the full experience and joys of an “older” MINI in a few weeks time.



    Sent from Yorkshire wi a hint of sarcasm.

  5. #5
    Site Owner MINI William's Avatar
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    The F56 is a fantastic car either S or JCW and I loved my R56 JCW and GP. The F56 is the more tunable car and is the one that’s quicker out the box. Either way I don’t think it really matters to much as you’ll have plenty smiles per mile in either and R56 S/JCW or F56 S/JCW. Find a car that you like and go with that, either R56 or F56
    Racing Grey F56 JCW GP 0370 - Chilli Red Mirror Caps, Custom OHC Alcantara Steering Wheel, Motech Performance By PiperCross Panel Filter, Custom GP Steering Wheel Spoke, Custom GP Stitched Carbon Side Scuttles, JCW Pro Mats, RSI C6 Carbonfibre Scoop, JCW Pro Stitched Carbon Boot Handle

    Ice Blue R55 Clubvan - JCW Shiftlight, JCW Carbon Fibe Handbrake, JCW Carbon Fibre Dash, JCW Steering Wheel, Recaro JCW Sportster CS, CoolerWorx ShortShifter, BC Racing Coilovers, JCW Brembo 4pots, HEL Braided Lines, JCW Front Bumper, MINI Challenge Splitter, White Rota Blitz

  6. #6
    Logo Genie DigitalLemming's Avatar
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    Sep 2013
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    2021 F54 JCW
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    Well about time too! Be great to have you back in a MINI again

    The F56 is undoubtably a step up from the R56, everything about it interior wise is just better, from that point of view I've never missed the R56. Getting out the R after a long drive to a show I knew I'd done 200 miles in it, the F is just so much better in that respect.

    The only thing I've ever missed from my R56 is the Alta, I've yet to hear an intake get close to that sound and don't think we will. I would've said the exhaust but the pro exhaust makes up for it lol.

    Another option could be the Works 210, has 95% of the performance of the JCW just lacking in the brakes department (easily solved though).

  7. #7
    Wheelspin Kid Eddie_JCW's Avatar
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    Cheers for the replies guys as expected it's a mixed opinion. As Pete has said I will go with my heart, as I usually do anyway.

    I have an idea that will hopefully solve my dilemma once and for all. It's definitely a tough decision because I felt the exact same as Mark did, I also preferred the noise of the R56 too but I'll need to see if I can persuade a nice dealer to let me borrow a JCW with the pro exhaust fitted. I'm also keen to see how the 8 speed auto behaves because I do love that box in BMs but I hated the 6 speed auto the F56 started out with, not a bad box but wasn't quick enough.

  8. #8
    Site Owner badwolf340's Avatar
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    X3 M competition,F56 GP ,F54 JCW white silver edtionTrafic Formula Edition
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    Regardless of which one you choose......it will be great to see you back in a MINI ,my 2 pence over R or F is that I love the pro Exhaust if you want to be quiet or noisy and 2 litres are easier than 1.6 to get an easy power boost with associated torque
    The cars in front are New MINI Scotland

  9. #9
    Want More BHP! Ianstwt_r59's Avatar
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    Mar 2015
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    Crieff
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    Mini Roadster
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    I’m selling my r56 Eddie aha
    Mini Roadster chilli pack,

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