1976 Bristol 603 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Bristol 603. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Bristol 603 would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Bristol 603 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Bristol 603 (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. (136 HP @ 2600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Bristol 603 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 50 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (360 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Bristol 603. (333 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Bristol 603.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 603 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 603 | E |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1735 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 80 L |
