1967 Bristol 409 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1967 Bristol 409. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1967 Bristol 409 would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1967 Bristol 409 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1967 Bristol 409. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1967 Bristol 409. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 248 kg more than 1967 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, 1967 Bristol 409 (463 Nm) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. (460 Nm). This means 1967 Bristol 409 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1967 Bristol 409 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 409 | SL |
| Year Released | 1967 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.6 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1848 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 80 L |
