1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 31 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 365 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C.
Because 2009 Mercedes-Benz C 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (300 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 412 | C |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2770 mm |
