1958 Bristol 406 vs. 1979 Pontiac Trans Am
To start off, 1979 Pontiac Trans Am is newer by 21 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 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Trans Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Trans Am (220 HP) has 129 more horse power than 1958 Bristol 406. (91 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Trans Am should accelerate faster than 1958 Bristol 406.
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, 1979 Pontiac Trans Am (434 Nm) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Bristol 406. (174 Nm). This means 1979 Pontiac Trans Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Bristol 406.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Bristol 406 | 1979 Pontiac Trans Am | |
| Make | Bristol | Pontiac |
| Model | 406 | Trans Am |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2216 cc | 6555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 220 HP |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 68.7 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.6 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2750 mm |
