1978 Bristol 412 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 11 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412.
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 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1978 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Bristol 412 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Bristol 412 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 412 | SL |
Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5898 cc | 2962 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 171 HP | 228 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
Torque | 366 Nm | 267 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 88.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 80.3 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1690 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4480 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2520 mm |