1948 Bristol 401 vs. 1970 Mercedes-Benz 250
To start off, 1970 Mercedes-Benz 250 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 2,776 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Mercedes-Benz 250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Mercedes-Benz 250 (128 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 401. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Mercedes-Benz 250 should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Mercedes-Benz 250 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1948 Bristol 401. 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, 1970 Mercedes-Benz 250 (216 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1970 Mercedes-Benz 250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Bristol 401 | 1970 Mercedes-Benz 250 | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 401 | 250 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 2776 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 86.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 78 L |
