1953 Bristol 403 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 55 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Bristol 403. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Bristol 403 would be higher. At 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS (288 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 202 more horse power than 1953 Bristol 403. (86 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1953 Bristol 403. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 510 kg more than 1953 Bristol 403. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS (365 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Bristol 403. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Bristol 403. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1953 Bristol 403 has manual transmission. 1953 Bristol 403 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Bristol 403 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 403 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1953 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 3497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 288 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 12.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 164 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 80 L |
