1948 Bristol 401 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 48 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 401. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 255 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (190 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Bristol 401 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 401 | E |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 198 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 70 L |
