1951 Bristol 401 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 245 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 615 kg more than 1951 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (471 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 326 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 401. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1951 Bristol 401 has manual transmission. 1951 Bristol 401 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 401 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 401 | SL |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 471 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2520 mm |
