1949 Bristol 402 vs. 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Bristol 402. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Bristol 402 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 (238 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 402. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 402. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 160 kg more than 1949 Bristol 402. 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, 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 (271 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 402. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 402.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 402 | 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 402 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 100 L |
