1977 Bristol 412 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 29 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 339 more horse power than 1977 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1977 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 355 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 464 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Bristol 412.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Bristol 412 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 412 | SL |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 2045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2570 mm |
