1979 Bristol 412 vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1993 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Bristol 412. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Bristol 412 would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 218 more horse power than 1979 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1979 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 490 kg more than 1979 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, 1993 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Bristol 412.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Bristol 412 | 1993 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 412 | S |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 2180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2520 mm |
