1950 Bristol 401 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 55 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 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (310 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 238 more horse power than 1950 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1950 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 671 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (730 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 585 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Bristol 401. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Bristol 401 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 401 | E |
| Year Released | 1950 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 3996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 730 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1896 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2860 mm |
