1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E 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 E (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 48 kg more than 2011 Mercedes-Benz E.
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 E (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 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 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 412 | E |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1642 kg |
