MINI Cooper S R53/R56

HPDE Overview

The MINI Cooper S is a go-kart for the street, and that character translates directly to track use. The short wheelbase, wide track, and extremely low center of gravity make the MINI change direction faster than almost anything in its class. The R53 (supercharged, 2002-2006) is the purist's choice with its linear power delivery, while the R56 (turbocharged, 2007-2013) makes more power but has less character. On track, the MINI darts through chicanes and tight sections with an agility that bigger cars cannot match. The steering is quick and communicative, and the car rotates eagerly with trail-braking. The supercharged R53 delivers power linearly with no turbo lag, making it easy to modulate on corner exit. The R56 JCW (John Cooper Works) makes 208 hp and is genuinely quick on tight circuits. The downsides are the inherent FWD limitations and the MINI's notorious reliability issues (especially the R56). The N14 engine in the 2007-2010 R56 has well-documented timing chain and carbon buildup problems. The R53 is more reliable but still more maintenance-intensive than a Honda.

Strengths

Weaknesses