1966 Bristol 409 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Bristol 409. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Bristol 409 would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK (400 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1966 Bristol 409. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1966 Bristol 409. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 360 kg more than 1966 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK (706 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 243 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Bristol 409. (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Bristol 409.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Bristol 409 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 409 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5211 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 706 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 80 L |
