1958 Bristol 406 vs. 1979 Renault 5
To start off, 1979 Renault 5 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 2,216 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Bristol 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Renault 5 (159 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1958 Bristol 406. (130 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Renault 5 should accelerate faster than 1958 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Bristol 406 weights approximately 150 kg more than 1979 Renault 5.
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 Renault 5 (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Bristol 406. (180 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Renault 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Bristol 406.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Bristol 406 | 1979 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Bristol | Renault |
| Model | 406 | 5 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2216 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68.7 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.6 mm | 77 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 56 L |
