1948 Bristol 401 vs. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 43 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 4,971 cc (8 cylinders), 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 (326 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 241 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 401. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 787 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, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 (480 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 335 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Bristol 401 | 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 401 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 4971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 326 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 2012 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 70 L |
