1st Gen R53 Cooper S Supercharged vs Turbo

The turbo gets better fuel mileage.
Various mods can be done to both.
Each have their own share of common problems.
To you which is more fun to drive?
Which interior do you like better?

 

The cool factor of S/C can not be matched by a turbo. Let's just say SC=Beatles and turbo=beatlemania.

:cornut:

 

The 1st Gen MINIs have better, more solid engines... you can get a lot more power out of them and they can handle it over the 2nd Gens.
I also think a supercharger's better suited for a FWD car.
If you really want to get into modding, I'd recommend the '05 over keeping the '08.

Just my opinion.

 

Noise factor

I like the "toy" end of the 2 choices. There is nothing sweeter then the whining (sound) of a SuperCharger spinning up!

Somehow the "woossssh" of a turbo is just not the same feeling?

 

SC for the win!!

....but I am biased.

 

ouch

 

The SC powered MINI will have a reduction in midrange torque, and lack of throttle response (compared to R56 sport button). That type of performance can almost be matched by throwing intelligent money at the SC MINI. If you are able to compare in mile long full throttle operation, and intel money has been tacked on to the SC powered car, the stock turbo MINI will feel like it has run out of steam sooner before mile's end. In stock forms, the R56 has more usable power performance on the street than an R53. If you are attaching some esoteric value to each method of forced induction as mentioned by others, power performance won't be a concern to you.

Steering feedback on the street is greater on the R53 than R56 in my opinion; you may feel a difference when driving.

 

There is no lag and the power delivery is more linear with the SC. That said Turbos have improved in this area greatly and continue to do so.

 

On the track years ago, I was just keeping up in the straights with an unmodded R56. My R53 at that time had a CAI, pulley and exhaust. Those engines pull very strongly.

The R53 to me feels more raw and connected to the road... the choice for an enthusiast. The R56 feels like a better daily driver and grocery getting machine (from my week in a loaner '08 MCS) and is still fast, but it feels dialed back a bit.

I still love the energy and personality of an R53 and I have no plans of getting rid of my '06 MCS R53 anytime soon.

 

I don't feel "disconnected" in my R56. I have never understood this complaint. I've driven R53s at autocrosses and they felt just as responsive and planted as an R56. *shrug*.

This biggest felt difference is a better pull off the line for the R53. The highway pulls are much better with a turbo.

I am comparing stock for stock. No mods. So, if you plan on modding I have nothing useful to add.

 

Besides the info shared above, there are other considerations between the R53 and R56. Run over road debris ...like a groundhog with the R53 and you risk knocking out the fan on the power steering pump. Of course you can install shields to protect it. On the R56, the hood scoops tend to melt from the heat of the turbo just beneath the bonnet. The R53 is easier for the shade tree modder to swap out pullies...speed up the SC. On the R56 most mods involve reducing pressure drop into and out of the turbo....which are also typical mods for the R53.

 

The R53 just looks like a supermodel. ( 05, 06, & the GP )

The R56 just looks like a fat supermodel. :arf::lol:

 

Turbos and superchargers each have their pros and cons...their fans and detractors. Buy what you like ... There is no wrong decision.

 

This is true, just pick one and you will be happy.

 

06=1st gen SC

07=2nd gen turbo

 

Going with your theory Dave... you and I should swap cars :ihih:

:devil: