1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2013 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2013 Mini Cooper is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mini Cooper (208 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (160 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 215 kg more than 2013 Mini Cooper.
Because 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 2013 Mini Cooper (260 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2013 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2013 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mini |
| Model | 280 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2778 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.5 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 3961 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1892 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1432 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2547 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 50 L |
