1955 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1961 Bristol 406
To start off, 1961 Bristol 406 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,658 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Austin-Healey 100 (132 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1961 Bristol 406. (92 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Austin-Healey 100 should accelerate faster than 1961 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Bristol 406 weights approximately 409 kg more than 1955 Austin-Healey 100.
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, 1955 Austin-Healey 100 (228 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1955 Austin-Healey 100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Bristol 406.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin-Healey 100 | 1961 Bristol 406 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Bristol |
| Model | 100 | 406 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2658 cc | 2216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 92 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 68.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 99.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 851 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 109 L | 81 L |
