1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz R
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz R is newer by 34 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz R (187 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz R should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz R 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz R 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz R (440 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz R will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Bristol 412.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz R | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 412 | R |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5156 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1958 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1661 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3216 mm |
