1961 Bristol 407 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Bristol 407. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Bristol 407 would be higher. At 5,130 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 Bristol 407 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1961 Bristol 407. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1961 Bristol 407. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 310 kg more than 1961 Bristol 407. 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, 1961 Bristol 407 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. (401 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1961 Bristol 407 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Bristol 407 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 407 | S |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5130 cc | 4266 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 88 L |
