1976 Bristol 412 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Bristol 412. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Bristol 412 would be higher. At 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (228 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 412. (208 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 186 kg more than 1976 Bristol 412. 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, 1976 Bristol 412 (422 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (315 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 412 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 412 | S |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6555 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 422 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1896 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2520 mm |
