2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 2012 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK (167 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2012 Mini Cooper. (121 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 2012 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 440 kg more than 2012 Mini Cooper. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mini Cooper. (160 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK | 2012 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mini |
| Model | CLK | Cooper |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1665 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 3734 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1414 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2466 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 50 L |
