1979 Bristol 412 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 CLS (397 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 226 more horse power than 1979 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1979 Bristol 412.
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 CLS (601 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Bristol 412. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 CLS has manual transmission. 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 CLS | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 412 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 397 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 601 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
