1963 Bristol 408 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250
To start off, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Bristol 408. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Bristol 408 would be higher. At 5,129 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 Bristol 408 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Bristol 408 (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Bristol 408 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Bristol 408 weights approximately 225 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250. 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, 1963 Bristol 408 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 263 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1963 Bristol 408 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250. 1963 Bristol 408 has automatic transmission and 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 has manual transmission. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1963 Bristol 408 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Bristol 408 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 408 | 250 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5129 cc | 2525 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 72.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| 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 | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 80 L |
