1949 Bristol 402 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 64 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK (409 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 324 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 402. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 402. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 385 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK (540 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 395 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 402. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 402.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 402 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 402 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1949 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 8 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 409 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 12.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4146 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2006 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2430 mm |
