1956 Bristol 405 vs. 1963 Bristol 408
To start off, 1963 Bristol 408 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Bristol 405. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Bristol 405 would be higher. At 5,129 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 Bristol 408 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Bristol 408 (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1956 Bristol 405. (101 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1963 Bristol 408 should accelerate faster than 1956 Bristol 405. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Bristol 408 weights approximately 345 kg more than 1956 Bristol 405. 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, 1963 Bristol 408 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 311 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Bristol 405. (152 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1963 Bristol 408 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Bristol 405. 1963 Bristol 408 has automatic transmission and 1956 Bristol 405 has manual transmission. 1956 Bristol 405 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1963 Bristol 408 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Bristol 405 | 1963 Bristol 408 | |
| Make | Bristol | Bristol |
| Model | 405 | 408 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 5129 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 72 L |
