1951 Bristol 401 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 52 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 421 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 760 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 555 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 401. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1951 Bristol 401 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 401 | S |
Year Released | 1951 | 2003 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1970 cc | 5439 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
Horse Power | 72 HP | 493 HP |
Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
Torque | 145 Nm | 700 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 97 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 92 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1985 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5050 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2970 mm |