1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 vs. 2006 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2006 Mini Cooper is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 4,520 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2006 Mini Cooper. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 640 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 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 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 450. 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (359 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mini Cooper. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | 2006 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mini |
| Model | 450 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4520 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 50 L |
