1953 Bristol 403 vs. 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Bristol 403. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Bristol 403 would be higher. At 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL (168 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1953 Bristol 403. (86 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1953 Bristol 403. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 135 kg more than 1953 Bristol 403. 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, 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Bristol 403. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Bristol 403.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Bristol 403 | 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 403 | SL |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2410 mm |
