1958 Bristol 405 vs. 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood
To start off, 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Bristol 405. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Bristol 405 would be higher. At 6,382 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood (325 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 225 more horse power than 1958 Bristol 405. (100 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood should accelerate faster than 1958 Bristol 405. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood weights approximately 1330 kg more than 1958 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, 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood (583 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 431 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Bristol 405. (152 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Bristol 405. 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood has automatic transmission and 1958 Bristol 405 has manual transmission. 1958 Bristol 405 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Bristol 405 | 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood | |
| Make | Bristol | Cadillac |
| Model | 405 | Fleetwood |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 6382 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 325 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 583 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 2572 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 6160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 2060 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 80 L |
