1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 231 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 45 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 234 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 CLS | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 412 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2875 mm |
