1954 Bristol 403 vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240
To start off, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Bristol 403. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Bristol 403 would be higher. At 3,005 cc (5 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Bristol 403 (86 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240. (78 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1954 Bristol 403 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240 weights approximately 205 kg more than 1954 Bristol 403.
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, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240 (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Bristol 403. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Bristol 403.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Bristol 403 | 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 403 | 240 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 3005 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2760 mm |
