1976 Bristol 412 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 26 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 285 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 412. (208 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 425 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (801 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 379 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Bristol 412. (422 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Bristol 412.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 412 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 412 | S |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6555 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 422 Nm | 801 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| 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 | 2135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2720 mm |
