1965 Bristol 409 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 39 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 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 389 more horse power than 1965 Bristol 409. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1965 Bristol 409. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 510 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (998 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 535 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Bristol 409. (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Bristol 409.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Bristol 409 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 409 | SL |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5211 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 998 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 2110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 80 L |
