1958 Bristol 406 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 54 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 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (432 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 341 more horse power than 1958 Bristol 406. (91 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1958 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 960 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (700 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 526 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Bristol 406. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Bristol 406 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 406 | CL |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2216 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 432 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 172 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 2220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5095 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2954 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 90 L |
