1965 Bristol 408 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Bristol 408. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Bristol 408 would be higher. At 5,130 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 Bristol 408 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (269 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1965 Bristol 408. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1965 Bristol 408. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 240 kg more than 1965 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, 1965 Bristol 408 (464 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1965 Bristol 408 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Bristol 408 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 408 | SL |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5130 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 269 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 464 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 80 L |
