1962 Bristol 407 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Bristol 407. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Bristol 407 would be higher. At 5,129 cc (8 cylinders), 1962 Bristol 407 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Bristol 407 (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Bristol 407 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 30 kg more than 1962 Bristol 407.
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, 1962 Bristol 407 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1962 Bristol 407 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. 1962 Bristol 407 has automatic transmission and 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 has manual transmission. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1962 Bristol 407 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Bristol 407 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 407 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5129 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 95 L |
