1956 Bristol 405 vs. 2009 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 53 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 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Bristol 405 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1956 Bristol 405. (101 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1956 Bristol 405. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 410 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.
Because 1956 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 1956 Bristol 405. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159, 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, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 (281 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Bristol 405. (152 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Bristol 405. 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 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. 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Bristol 405 | 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Bristol | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 405 | 159 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 70 L |
