1964 Bristol 408 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Bristol 408. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Bristol 408 would be higher. At 5,130 cc (8 cylinders), 1964 Bristol 408 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (247 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1964 Bristol 408. (216 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1964 Bristol 408. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 225 kg more than 1964 Bristol 408. 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, 1964 Bristol 408 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1964 Bristol 408 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Bristol 408 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 408 | S |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5130 cc | 3724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 216 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 88 L |
