2012 Mini Cooper vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (222 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2012 Mini Cooper. (208 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2012 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 385 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mini Cooper. (260 Nm @ 1850 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mini Cooper. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 2012 Mini Cooper has manual transmission. 2012 Mini Cooper will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mini Cooper | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mini | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cooper | C |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1600 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 222 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1850 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3734 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1684 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1414 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2466 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 62 L |
