1961 Bristol 407 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 50 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 303 more horse power than 1961 Bristol 407. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1961 Bristol 407. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 267 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E (699 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Bristol 407. (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2011 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 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 407 | E |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5130 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1852 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4887 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1443 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 80 L |
