1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 26 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK (192 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 304 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (271 Nm). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 412 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 192 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 91.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2410 mm |
