1976 Bristol 412 vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 23 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, 1976 Bristol 412 (208 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 50 kg more than 1976 Bristol 412.
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 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL. (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 412 | 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 412 | SL |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6555 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 422 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2520 mm |
