1959 Bristol 406 vs. 1971 Oldsmobile 442
To start off, 1971 Oldsmobile 442 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Bristol 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Bristol 406 would be higher. At 7,467 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Oldsmobile 442 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Oldsmobile 442 (260 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 1959 Bristol 406. (91 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Oldsmobile 442 should accelerate faster than 1959 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Oldsmobile 442 weights approximately 464 kg more than 1959 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, 1971 Oldsmobile 442 (502 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 328 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Oldsmobile 442 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Bristol 406. 1971 Oldsmobile 442 has automatic transmission and 1959 Bristol 406 has manual transmission. 1959 Bristol 406 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Oldsmobile 442 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Bristol 406 | 1971 Oldsmobile 442 | |
| Make | Bristol | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 406 | 442 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2216 cc | 7467 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 502 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68.7 mm | 104.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.6 mm | 108 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2850 mm |
