1958 Aston Martin DB4 vs. 1965 Bristol 409
To start off, 1965 Bristol 409 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Aston Martin DB4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Aston Martin DB4 would be higher. At 5,211 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 Bristol 409 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Aston Martin DB4 (240 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1965 Bristol 409. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Aston Martin DB4 should accelerate faster than 1965 Bristol 409. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Bristol 409 weights approximately 292 kg more than 1958 Aston Martin DB4.
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, 1965 Bristol 409 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Aston Martin DB4. (325 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1965 Bristol 409 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Aston Martin DB4. 1965 Bristol 409 has automatic transmission and 1958 Aston Martin DB4 has manual transmission. 1958 Aston Martin DB4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1965 Bristol 409 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Aston Martin DB4 | 1965 Bristol 409 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Bristol |
| Model | DB4 | 409 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3668 cc | 5211 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 98.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1308 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 86 L | 81 L |
