1966 Bristol 409 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 43 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 5,211 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 Bristol 409 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1966 Bristol 409. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1966 Bristol 409. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 1232 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (540 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Bristol 409. (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Bristol 409.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Bristol 409 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 409 | E |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5211 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 17.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 2832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 80 L |
