1951 Bristol 401 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 62 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz E (397 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 325 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 570 kg more than 1951 Bristol 401. 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 E (601 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 456 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 401 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 401 | E |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 397 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 601 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4698 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2015 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1398 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2760 mm |
