1952 Bristol 401 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 57 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 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1952 Bristol 401 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (161 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1952 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1952 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 300 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (241 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 401 | C |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2720 mm |
