1948 Bristol 401 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 57 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (269 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 401. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 330 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (340 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 401. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1948 Bristol 401 has manual transmission. 1948 Bristol 401 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Bristol 401 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 401 | C |
| Year Released | 1948 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 269 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 62 L |
