1950 Bristol 401 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 53 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1950 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1950 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 65 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Bristol 401 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 401 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1950 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2410 mm |
