1958 Bristol 406 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Bristol 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Bristol 406 would be higher. At 7,291 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 5550 RPM) has 427 more horse power than 1958 Bristol 406. (91 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1958 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 790 kg more than 1958 Bristol 406. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (766 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 592 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Bristol 406. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1958 Bristol 406 has manual transmission. 1958 Bristol 406 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Bristol 406 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 406 | SL |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2216 cc | 7291 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5550 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 766 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68.7 mm | 91.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.6 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 70 L |
