1950 Bristol 401 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 56 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (303 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 231 more horse power than 1950 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1950 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 465 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 315 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Bristol 401 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 401 | CL |
| Year Released | 1950 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 303 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2890 mm |
