1965 Bristol 408 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano 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, 1965 Bristol 408 (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano. (161 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Bristol 408 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano weights approximately 1245 kg more than 1965 Bristol 408.
Because 1965 Bristol 408 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1965 Bristol 408. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 104 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano. (360 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1965 Bristol 408 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Bristol 408 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 408 | Viano |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5130 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 464 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 88.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 79 L |
