I would rather have the 50 year old S Class, but it wouldn’t fit in my garage. The fuel consumption would be a worry though, but as we do low miles bearable.
As you say “Not entirely fair to compare a 50 year old S-Class with a Mini”, I mainly said that to demonstrate how much things have moved on. The W116 was considered by many to be the best car in the world. Whereas the Mini was the ultimate peoples car; although admittedly it has moved up market a bit since BMW took over it is still a cheap car (if any modern car can be cheap) if you go for the classic with no options.
Current lease: 2025 Omoda 5 Estate 1.6 TGDI [147] Noble 5dr 7DCT
Last lease: 2022 MINI Hatch 2.0 Cooper S Classic Premium 5DR Auto
First lease: 2018 SEAT Leon Sport Tourer 1.8 TSI FR Technology DSG