1963 Bristol 408 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 26 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (231 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1963 Bristol 408. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1963 Bristol 408. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Bristol 408 weights approximately 95 kg more than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300.
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 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. (273 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1963 Bristol 408 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Bristol 408 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 408 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5129 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 88.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| 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 | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2810 mm |
