1961 Bristol 407 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 44 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (363 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1961 Bristol 407. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1961 Bristol 407. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 400 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Bristol 407. (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Bristol 407.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Bristol 407 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 407 | S |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5130 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 363 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 88 L |
