1958 Bristol 406 vs. 1978 Chevrolet Suburban
To start off, 1978 Chevrolet Suburban is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Bristol 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Bristol 406 would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Chevrolet Suburban (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1958 Bristol 406. (91 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 1958 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 940 kg more than 1958 Bristol 406. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1958 Bristol 406. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Chevrolet Suburban will offer significantly more control. 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, 1978 Chevrolet Suburban (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Bristol 406. 1978 Chevrolet Suburban has automatic transmission and 1958 Bristol 406 has manual transmission. 1958 Bristol 406 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Chevrolet Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Bristol 406 | 1978 Chevrolet Suburban | |
| Make | Bristol | Chevrolet |
| Model | 406 | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2216 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 242 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 2200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3300 mm |
