1958 Bristol 406 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 47 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 2,216 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Bristol 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz A (138 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1958 Bristol 406. (91 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1958 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Bristol 406 weights approximately 20 kg more than 2005 Mercedes-Benz A.
Because 1958 Bristol 406 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1958 Bristol 406. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz A (180 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Bristol 406.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Bristol 406 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 406 | A |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2216 cc | 2034 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68.7 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.6 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 172 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 54 L |
