1954 Bristol 405 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 57 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Bristol 405. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Bristol 405 would be higher. At 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (621 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 521 more horse power than 1954 Bristol 405. (100 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1954 Bristol 405. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1056 kg more than 1954 Bristol 405. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (999 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 847 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Bristol 405. (152 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Bristol 405. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1954 Bristol 405 has manual transmission. 1954 Bristol 405 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Bristol 405 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 405 | S |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 621 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 999 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 2296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 90 L |
