1953 Bristol 403 vs. 1984 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1984 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 31 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 3,837 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Mercedes-Benz S (201 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1953 Bristol 403. (86 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1953 Bristol 403. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 360 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, 1984 Mercedes-Benz S (315 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Bristol 403. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1984 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Bristol 403.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Bristol 403 | 1984 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 403 | S |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 3837 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2860 mm |
