1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano is newer by 25 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, 1978 Bristol 412 (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano. (141 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano weights approximately 305 kg more 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 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano. (316 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 412 | Viano |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 316 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3210 mm |
