1978 Bristol 412 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz G
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz G is newer by 18 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz G (217 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz G should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz G weights approximately 460 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.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz G is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Bristol 412. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz G will offer significantly more control. 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 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz G. (300 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz G.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz G | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 412 | G |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 2150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2860 mm |
