1979 Bristol 412 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 34 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 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL (503 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 332 more horse power than 1979 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1979 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 493 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL (830 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 464 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Bristol 412. 1979 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL has manual transmission. 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Bristol 412 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Bristol 412 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 412 | CL |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 503 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 2183 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5095 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 2130 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1419 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2955 mm |
