1976 Bristol 412 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS is newer by 37 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS (575 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 367 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 412. (208 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 412 weights approximately 87 kg more than 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS.
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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS (649 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 227 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Bristol 412. (422 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Bristol 412. 1976 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS has manual transmission. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Bristol 412 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 412 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 412 | SLS |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 6555 cc | 6300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 575 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 422 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 330 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1623 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4638 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 2078 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1262 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2680 mm |
