1977 Bristol 412 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Bristol 412. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Bristol 412 would be higher. At 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL (367 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 1977 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1977 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 265 kg more than 1977 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL (530 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Bristol 412.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Bristol 412 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 412 | CL |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 5786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 367 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2970 mm |
