1978 Bristol 412 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420
To start off, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Bristol 412. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Bristol 412 would be higher. At 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (219 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 90 kg more than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420.
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, 1978 Bristol 412 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. (329 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 412 | 420 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 219 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2460 mm |
