1948 Bristol 401 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 58 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 1,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1948 Bristol 401 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 401. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 470 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Bristol 401 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 401 | C |
| Year Released | 1948 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 229 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 | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 62 L |
