1955 Bristol 405 vs. 1983 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 1983 Vauxhall Astra is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Bristol 405. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Bristol 405 would be higher. At 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1955 Bristol 405 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Vauxhall Astra (114 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1955 Bristol 405. (100 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Vauxhall Astra should accelerate faster than 1955 Bristol 405. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Bristol 405 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1983 Vauxhall Astra.
Because 1955 Bristol 405 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1955 Bristol 405. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Vauxhall Astra, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Bristol 405 (152 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Vauxhall Astra. (148 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1955 Bristol 405 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Vauxhall Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Bristol 405 | 1983 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Bristol | Vauxhall |
| Model | 405 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2520 mm |
