1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 vs. 2006 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2006 Mini Cooper is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 would be higher. At 3,499 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2006 Mini Cooper. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 weights approximately 233 kg more than 2006 Mini Cooper. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mini Cooper, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 (286 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mini Cooper. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 | 2006 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mini |
| Model | 350 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3499 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 286 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65.8 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1548 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2470 mm |
