1965 Bristol 408 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 47 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (254 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1965 Bristol 408. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1965 Bristol 408.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Bristol 408. (464 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Bristol 408.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Bristol 408 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 408 | S |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5130 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 254 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 464 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5096 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 90 L |
