1956 Bristol 405 vs. 1976 Volvo 260
To start off, 1976 Volvo 260 is newer by 20 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 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Volvo 260 (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1956 Bristol 405. (101 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1956 Bristol 405. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Volvo 260 weights approximately 110 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, 1976 Volvo 260 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Bristol 405. (152 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1976 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Bristol 405.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Bristol 405 | 1976 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Bristol | Volvo |
| Model | 405 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2660 mm |
