1949 Bristol 402 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 40 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 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 (323 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 238 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 402. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 402. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 665 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 (450 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 305 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 402. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 402. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 1949 Bristol 402 has manual transmission. 1949 Bristol 402 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1949 Bristol 402 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 402 | 500 |
Year Released | 1949 | 1989 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1971 cc | 4973 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 85 HP | 323 HP |
Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 145 Nm | 450 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 96.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 85 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1890 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4480 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1310 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2520 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 80 L |