1952 Bristol 401 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C (114 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1952 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1952 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 285 kg more than 1952 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C (250 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Bristol 401 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 401 | C |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2840 mm |
