1965 Bristol 409 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 41 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1965 Bristol 409. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1965 Bristol 409. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 225 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, 1965 Bristol 409 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1965 Bristol 409 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Bristol 409 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 409 | SL |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5211 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 80 L |
