1958 Austin A135 vs. 1961 Bristol 406
To start off, 1961 Bristol 406 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Austin A135. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Austin A135 would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Austin A135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Austin A135 (150 HP @ 4100 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1961 Bristol 406. (92 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Austin A135 should accelerate faster than 1961 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Austin A135 weights approximately 820 kg more than 1961 Bristol 406. 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, 1958 Austin A135 (308 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1958 Austin A135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Bristol 406.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin A135 | 1961 Bristol 406 | |
| Make | Austin | Bristol |
| Model | A135 | 406 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 2216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 92 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 308 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 68.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 99.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2080 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 81 L |
