1948 Bristol 401 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 61 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 2,996 cc, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 401. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (301 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 401 | C |
| Year Released | 1948 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 2996 cc |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 66 L |
