1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 28 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (202 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster 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 121 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (245 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. 1978 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 2006 Mercedes-Benz C has manual transmission. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C 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 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 412 | C |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 68.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 11.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2720 mm |
