1961 Bristol 407 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 48 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), 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (469 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 254 more horse power than 1961 Bristol 407. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1961 Bristol 407. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 405 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (701 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Bristol 407. (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Bristol 407.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Bristol 407 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 407 | E |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2009 |
| 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 | 469 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 701 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 80 L |
