1965 Bristol 409 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Bristol 409. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Bristol 409 would be higher. At 6,329 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 (247 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1965 Bristol 409. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 should accelerate faster than 1965 Bristol 409. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 weights approximately 1170 kg more than 1965 Bristol 409. 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 (500 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Bristol 409. (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Bristol 409.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Bristol 409 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 409 | 600 |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5211 cc | 6329 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 103 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 95 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 2770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 6250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3910 mm |
