1949 Bristol 402 vs. 1969 Mercedes-Benz 250
To start off, 1969 Mercedes-Benz 250 is newer by 20 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 1969 Mercedes-Benz 250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Mercedes-Benz 250 (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 402. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Mercedes-Benz 250 should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 402. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Mercedes-Benz 250 weights approximately 135 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, 1969 Mercedes-Benz 250 (236 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 402. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1969 Mercedes-Benz 250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 402.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 402 | 1969 Mercedes-Benz 250 | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 402 | 250 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 65 L |
