1950 Bristol 401 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 63 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 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL (613 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 541 more horse power than 1950 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1950 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 1020 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL (999 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 854 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2013 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 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 401 | CL |
| Year Released | 1950 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 613 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 999 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 2245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5106 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2139 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1428 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2955 mm |
