1949 Bristol 401 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 2,463 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 (192 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 weights approximately 75 kg more than 1949 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 (235 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 401 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 401 | 190 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2463 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 192 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 97.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 82.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2670 mm |
