1950 Bristol 401 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 62 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 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 330 more horse power than 1950 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1950 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 711 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.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1950 Bristol 401. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 455 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Bristol 401. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Bristol 401 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 401 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1950 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1936 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2875 mm |
