1965 Bristol 409 vs. 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE
To start off, 1965 Bristol 409 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE would be higher. At 5,211 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 Bristol 409 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Bristol 409 (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. (118 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Bristol 409 should accelerate faster than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Bristol 409 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. 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 409 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 274 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. (189 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1965 Bristol 409 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Bristol 409 | 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 409 | SE |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5211 cc | 2193 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 65 L |
