1950 Bristol 401 vs. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1950 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1950 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 5,437 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL (469 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 397 more horse power than 1950 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1950 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 730 kg more than 1950 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, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 555 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Bristol 401. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1950 Bristol 401 has manual transmission. 1950 Bristol 401 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Bristol 401 | 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 401 | SL |
| Year Released | 1950 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 5437 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 469 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2570 mm |
