1958 Bristol 406 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S 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 3,997 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (248 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1958 Bristol 406. (91 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1958 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 780 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (560 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 386 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Bristol 406. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Bristol 406 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 406 | S |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2216 cc | 3997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 248 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68.7 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 172 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 88 L |
