1948 Bristol 400 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 58 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Bristol 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Bristol 400 would be higher. At 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (383 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 304 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 400. (79 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 740 kg more than 1948 Bristol 400. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 SL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 405 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 400. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 400. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1948 Bristol 400 has manual transmission. 1948 Bristol 400 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Bristol 400 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 400 | SL |
| Year Released | 1948 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 383 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 90.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 80 L |
