1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano 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, 1978 Bristol 412 (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano. (148 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano weights approximately 350 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 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano. (330 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 412 | Viano |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| 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 | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3090 mm |
