1965 Bristol 409 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 33 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 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 11 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (204 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Bristol 409 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 210 kg more than 1965 Bristol 409.
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 193 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1965 Bristol 409 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Bristol 409 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 409 | SL |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5211 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 80 L |
