What distinguished the Benz Patent-Motorwagen from earlier self-propelled vehicles?

Answer

It was an integrated system designed from the ground up to be motorized using gasoline power

The Patent-Motorwagen was recognized as the first gasoline automobile intended for personal transport because it was an integrated system, not just an engine attached to an existing carriage.

What distinguished the Benz Patent-Motorwagen from earlier self-propelled vehicles?
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