1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E 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 E (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 1142 kg more than 1978 Bristol 412. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (540 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Bristol 412.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 412 | E |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 17.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 2832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2860 mm |
