1951 Bristol 401 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 47 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 2,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 535 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
1951 Bristol 401 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 401 | SL |
Year Released | 1951 | 1998 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2797 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 72 HP | 190 HP |
Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 145 Nm | 270 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 89.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 73.5 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1760 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4510 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2520 mm |