1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2013 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2013 Mini Cooper is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,956 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (375 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 254 more horse power than 2013 Mini Cooper. (121 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2013 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 785 kg more than 2013 Mini Cooper. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 420 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Mini Cooper. (160 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Mini Cooper. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2013 Mini Cooper has manual transmission. 2013 Mini Cooper will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2013 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mini |
| Model | SL | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5956 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 375 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 580 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3961 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1892 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1426 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2547 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.7 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.2 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 50 L |
