1958 Bristol 406 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1958 Bristol 406. (130 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1958 Bristol 406.
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 S (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Bristol 406. (180 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Bristol 406. 2012 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Bristol 406 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 406 | S |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2216 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 155 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 5096 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 90 L |
