1964 Bristol 408 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 44 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 6,207 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 302 more horse power than 1964 Bristol 408. (216 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1964 Bristol 408. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 370 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Bristol 408. (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Bristol 408.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Bristol 408 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 408 | S |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5130 cc | 6207 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 216 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 631 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 102.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3170 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 90 L |
