1958 Bristol 406 vs. 1995 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1995 Lotus Esprit is newer by 37 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, 1995 Lotus Esprit (301 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 1958 Bristol 406. (91 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1958 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 55 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.
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, 1995 Lotus Esprit (380 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1995 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Bristol 406.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Bristol 406 | 1995 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Bristol | Lotus |
| Model | 406 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2216 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68.7 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.6 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 172 km/hour | 266 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 73 L |
