1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 2006 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2006 Mini Cooper is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,305 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mini Cooper (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. (109 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 260 kg more than 2006 Mini Cooper.
Because 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 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 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. 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, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 (185 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mini Cooper. (149 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mini Cooper. 2006 Mini Cooper has automatic transmission and 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 has manual transmission. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mini Cooper will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 2006 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mini |
| Model | 230 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2305 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.7 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 50 L |
