1953 Bristol 403 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 20 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), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (170 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1953 Bristol 403. (86 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1953 Bristol 403. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 70 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Bristol 403. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Bristol 403.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Bristol 403 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 403 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1973 |
| 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 | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 86.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 164 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 64 L |
