1978 Bristol 412 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 is newer by 8 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (295 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 weights approximately 90 kg more than 1978 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (463 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Bristol 412.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 412 | 560 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 5547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 295 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 94.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3080 mm |
