1954 Alfa Romeo AR 51 vs. 1965 Bristol 408
To start off, 1965 Bristol 408 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Alfa Romeo AR 51. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Alfa Romeo AR 51 would be higher. At 5,130 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 Bristol 408 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Bristol 408 (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1954 Alfa Romeo AR 51. (63 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1965 Bristol 408 should accelerate faster than 1954 Alfa Romeo AR 51. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Bristol 408 weights approximately 335 kg more than 1954 Alfa Romeo AR 51. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1954 Alfa Romeo AR 51 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1965 Bristol 408. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1954 Alfa Romeo AR 51 will offer significantly more control. 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. 1965 Bristol 408 has automatic transmission and 1954 Alfa Romeo AR 51 has manual transmission. 1954 Alfa Romeo AR 51 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1965 Bristol 408 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Alfa Romeo AR 51 | 1965 Bristol 408 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Bristol |
| Model | AR 51 | 408 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1884 cc | 5130 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 98.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2910 mm |
