1955 Bristol 403 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 54 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Bristol 403. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Bristol 403 would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (288 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1955 Bristol 403. (87 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1955 Bristol 403. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 510 kg more than 1955 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (365 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Bristol 403. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Bristol 403. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1955 Bristol 403 has manual transmission. 1955 Bristol 403 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Bristol 403 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 403 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 288 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2860 mm |
