1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 33 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (429 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 258 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 405 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.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Bristol 412. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (699 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 333 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Bristol 412.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 412 | CL |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 429 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 2095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5095 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2954 mm |
