1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz M
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz M is newer by 35 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz M (237 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1978 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz M should accelerate faster than 1978 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz M weights approximately 485 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz M is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Bristol 412. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz M 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz M (617 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 251 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Bristol 412. 1978 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 2013 Mercedes-Benz M has manual transmission. 2013 Mercedes-Benz M will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Bristol 412 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz M | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 412 | M |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | electric |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 617 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 15.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 2175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4804 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 2141 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1796 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2915 mm |
