1955 Bristol 403 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 57 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (518 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 431 more horse power than 1955 Bristol 403. (87 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1955 Bristol 403. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 715 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (699 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 553 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Bristol 403. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Bristol 403. 2012 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Bristol 403 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 403 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4996 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1407 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2875 mm |
