1978 Bristol 412 vs. 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 14 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, 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500 (320 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 390 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, 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500 (470 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Bristol 412. 1978 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500 has manual transmission. 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 | 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 412 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 320 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 470 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 2080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2500 mm |
