1955 Bristol 403 vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 55 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 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1955 Bristol 403 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK (201 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1955 Bristol 403. (87 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1955 Bristol 403. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 275 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Bristol 403. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Bristol 403. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Bristol 403 | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 403 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2431 mm |
