1956 Bristol 405 vs. 1985 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1985 Lotus Esprit is newer by 29 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1956 Bristol 405. (101 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1956 Bristol 405. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Bristol 405 weights approximately 172 kg more than 1985 Lotus Esprit.
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, 1985 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Bristol 405. (152 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Bristol 405.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Bristol 405 | 1985 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Bristol | Lotus |
| Model | 405 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 31 L |
