1949 Bristol 400 vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Bristol 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Bristol 400 would be higher. At 2,744 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 (160 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 400. (79 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 440 kg more than 1949 Bristol 400. 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, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 400. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 400 | 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 400 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 95 L |
