1956 Bristol 405 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Bristol 405. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Bristol 405 would be higher. At 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S (383 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 282 more horse power than 1956 Bristol 405. (101 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1956 Bristol 405. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 746 kg more than 1956 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 378 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Bristol 405. (152 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Bristol 405. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1956 Bristol 405 has manual transmission. 1956 Bristol 405 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Bristol 405 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 405 | S |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 383 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1986 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 5210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3170 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 90 L |
