1948 Bristol 401 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK (362 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 277 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 401. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 490 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 CLK (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 365 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 401. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Bristol 401 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 401 | CLK |
| Year Released | 1948 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 97.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 62 L |
