1961 Bristol 407 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 47 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 295 more horse power than 1961 Bristol 407. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1961 Bristol 407. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 595 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S (830 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 367 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Bristol 407. (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 407 | S |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5130 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| 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 | 2180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 5210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3170 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 90 L |
